President Emmanuel Macron of France has given the reason behind his decision to visit the Afrika Shrine in Lagos owned by late afrobeat legendary musician, Fela Kuti.
While speaking at a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari after their bilateral talks held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday, France President, Emmanuel Macron, has gave reasons behind his decision to visit the Afrika Shrine as part of his visit to Nigeria.
Macron who recalled his days in Nigeria about 15 years ago, noted that it was an emotional come-back, especially as he never imagined he would return to Abuja one day as President of France.
He said the visit was a good opportunity to return the Afrika Shrine, a place he described as ‘iconic place for African people and culture’, adding that apart from a personal pleasure the African Shrine holds for him, he also recognised the importance of African culture.
LIVE | Le Nigeria est un pays émergent dont l'avenir va compter pour l'Afrique, et pour l'Europe. Conférence de presse avec son Président Muhammadu Buhari. https://t.co/542GvgMcSU
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 3, 2018
Responding to a question on why he chose to visit afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Afrika Shrine in Lagos of all places, he said: “First, because I wanted to find a good occasion to come back there.
“I know the place and I have some memories. I have to confess at a time that there was no president around. I hope I will not spoil the party.
“First, I think that is such an iconic place for a lot of African people and African culture. And I think very often when you speak of the African culture in Europe, those who are successful in Europe and in France, which is different most of the times are not dramatically very famous in Nigeria or in Africa. And there is a bias because you know people are absolutely not the same.
President @EmmanuelMacron’s Official Visit to #Nigeria. Press conference ongoing at the State House. #AsoVillaToday pic.twitter.com/4wCusCk20b
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) July 3, 2018
“I mean Fela, Femi, Seun Kuti are obviously very famous in France and Europe. I mean they are big successes but the Shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and it is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognise the importance of this place. I recognise the place of culture in this current environment.”
TORI
Add 0802 739 7554 To Receive SKYTREND NEWS Alerts On WhatsApp;
For Adverts Enquiries, Whatsapp 0802 739 7554,
Send Articles & News Stories To editor@skytrendnews.com.
READ ALSO! 14-Year-Old Pregnant Housemaid Dislodges Her Childless Madam, Says I Can’t Share Husband With You
READ ALSO! SHOCKING, ALARMING: Nigerian FRSC Official Engages Woman In Serious Physical Combat (VIDEO)
READ ALSO! How I Stopped Obasanjo From Becoming Nigerian Version Of Mugabe — Atiku
READ ALSO! I’m Happy Leaving My Husband, Nine Children For New Lover — Housewife After 23 Years Of Marriage
READ ALSO! The Smart CEO: Top 5 Websites To Get Cheap Domain Name Registration
READ ALSO! First Bank’s Appalling Customer Service And Utter Disregard For Its Customers
READ ALSO! Between GoDaddy And Namecheap: Making The Best Choice For Domain Name Registrar
READ ALSO! Nigerian Filmmaker, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes List Of 100 Most Influential African Women
READ ALSO! Woman Marries Her Son After Getting Pregnant For Him