Macron Visits Nigeria,Storms Afrika Shrine

President Macron with Gov Ambode and Singer Banky W

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 paid a historic visit to the ever popular Afrika Shrine, home of legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
President Macron had earlier visited his counterpart President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja before making his way down to Lagos.
While in Abuja,he attributed his decision to visit the Afrika Shrine in Lagos to his nostalgia for the good memories of the iconic place.
The President stated this while reacting to questions after a closed door bilateral talks with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
On his arrival in Lagos,he was accompanied to the shrine by Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Macron becomes the first “World President” to enter the Afrika Shrine known for its history of marijuana smoke, sexy backup dancers and protest music.

President Macron presented with a painting by an artist

The French President, who was trained as a senior civil servant at the French Embassy in Lagos in 2004, seven years after Fela died, described the Shrine as a cultural and iconic hub.
Macron, who ‘confessed’ that he was not a stranger to the club, said he recognized the Shrine as an important place for lovers of African culture.
“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.
“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 succeeded 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 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.”
President Macron expressed the readiness of French government to promote sport and cultural relations between Nigeria and France to address the problem of unemployment among youths in both countries.
According to him, African Cultural Season to be hosted in France in 2020 will be inaugurated at the African Shrine tonight, while French sport initiative will be launched in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said the African Cultural Season which would provide new opportunities to youths, was being financed by the private sector in Nigeria.

President Macron with singer Angelique Kidjo