President Emmanuel Macron of France says Africa and Europe must build a new commonality driven by culture for the benefit of Africa.
Macron, who is on official visit to Nigeria, spoke during his time out at the New Afrika Shrine, in Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday night, where he also challenged African youths to be involved in politics to change the society.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State accompanied him to the shrine. The event tagged “Celebrate African Culture” also had in attendance other personalities like Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State, Wole Soyinka, a professor of literature, senator Ben Bruce, among others.
Stressing the need for Africa and Europe to reawaken their cultural affinity, Macron said: “This new commonality is not based on what is important for Europeans but what is important for Africa, about their culture, how they build and promote their culture and which places are important for them about their culture.”
He disclosed plans to host the African Cultural Season 2020 in France, which he said, would be about promoting African culture in Europe, adding that the event would be for Africa and by African artistes.
“It will include people with fashion, African movies, new generation of artistes will be coming from Africa and it will be organised by them to show Europe and France the real culture of Africa”.
“The event will be financed by African leaders. It will not be sponsored by France or European businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new. This season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe organised by Africans, providing what you like and what you have here,” the President said.
On why he chose to visit the Afrika Shrine again, the French President said: “I discovered Nigeria, I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine. This place (shrine) is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given. I have to say my main memories about this place are friends, proud people, proud of their culture, proud of their art and music. I have a very different view of Africa than a lot of other people in Europe, and that is why I am here.”
Macron, who got elected as the youngest ever French President at the age of 39, in 2017, challenged the African youths to be involved in politics, as politics, according to him, is the tool to change the society.
He said, “I am very happy to be here. Let me remind you that this place (shrine) is a place of music as well as politics. Politics is important, so be involved. That is my advice to the youths.”
Governor Ambode, while welcoming the French President, expressed optimism that the historic visit would go a long way to break any barriers between Nigeria and France as well as foster greater collaboration for economic, social and cultural growth.
Ambode said he was particularly delighted that Macron’s visit to Lagos began on a cultural and entertainment note, adding that the French Cultural Centre and Alliance Française based in the state had always been an asset to its cultural landscape in the same way that Trace Television had also become an invaluable addition to its music and entertainment sphere.
He expressed the optimism that Macron’s visit would boost the Lagos’ quest to become the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, adding that the state government would seek to establish collaborations with France and play an integral part of the Year 2020 African Cultural Season in Paris, as envisioned by President Macron.
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