the Afrika Shrine in Lagos.
Speaking during a joint press conference at the Presidential Villa in
Abuja on Tuesday, Macron said the Afrika Shrine is a symbol of African
culture.
Recalling his days in Nigeria, Macron said he never imagined he would
return to Nigeria as President of France.
Fifteen years ago, the president of France worked as a diplomat in Abuja.
"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.
"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
recognize the importance of this place, I recognize the place of
culture in this current environment," he said.
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