*President Emmanuel Macron and Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged lighthearted greetings on social media on Thursday, with both leaders communicating in pidgin English.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of Macron and his wife, H.E Brigitte Macron.
The President, who was accompanied on the trip by his wife Oluremi Tinubu and selected ministers and aides, was formally received by the French leader at a ceremony held at the historic Invalides military complex in Paris on Thubu.
The two leaders and their spouses arrived at the Foyer of the National Des Invalides, a site famed for its military museum and historic significance.
Anthems of the two nations rang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’ landmarks, kicking off a visit, which aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and France.
During the reception, Tinubu also inspected a guard of honour, symbolising a renewed effort to deepen diplomatic ties between the European giant and Africa’s most populous country.
After a meeting on Thursday, Macron reminisced about his days at the French embassy in Nigeria as an intern.
Writing on X in Nigerian Pidgin, an English-based creole language spoken as a lingua franca, the French president gushed over Tinubu’s visit.
“Na big honor for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis State visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow,” Macron wrote.
Na big honor for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis State visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow.
E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time. pic.twitter.com/nKj3fWUfK2
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 28, 2024
“E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”
Reciprocating the friendly exchange, Tinubu began by thanking Macron in French and added that the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations is exciting.
“Merci beaucoup, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron,” Tinubu wrote.
“Na big privilege to dey strengthen dis bond wey join Nigeria and France together. E sweet me well well to hear say di memories of your time as young intern for Nigeria still dey inspire you.”
The Nigerian president urged his French counterpart to jointly prioritise mutual respect and equality with him while building partnerships.
“E show say di connection between our two countries strong and go continue dey strong,” Tinubu added.///
