Why President Macron visited Afrika Shrine + photos of his visit

President Emmanuel Macron of France ended his first day working visit in Nigeria at the Afrika Shrine where he was received by the Lagos State governo

President Emmanuel Macron of France ended his first day working visit in Nigeria at the Afrika Shrine where he was received by the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Femi Kuti, the eldest son of the late Afrobeat Legend, his sister, Yeni Kuti as well as members of the entertainment industry. Before making his way to his seat, President Macron took time to view an exhibition curated by Tokini Peterside of Art X.

President Macron made history as the first President ever to visit the Afrika Shrine, Ikeja Lagos. The French leader who had an interactive session with the guests recalled his days in Nigeria as a diplomat 15 years ago, saying he never imagined he would return to Nigeria as the president of France.

He said that the Afrika Shrine stands as a symbol on the importance 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 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 and 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.

He also discussed the 2020 African Cultural Season he envisioned for Nigeria and Africa where all aspect of the creative community will be celebrated and showcased.

The evening tagged ‘A Celebration of African Culture’, organised by Trace TV had Banky W as the master of ceremony with music performances by Femi Kuti’s Positive Band, Yemi Alade, Ara, the Footprints of David Youth Group.

President Macron and Governor Ambode

President Macron with Chika Okpala, Rita Dominic, Lala Akindoju, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Dakore Akande

President Macron with Chika Okpala, Rita Dominic, Lala Akindoju, Kide Kosoko, Kunle Afolayan, Joke Silva, Dakore Akande

Asa President Macron, Governor Ambode, Angelique Kidjo

President Macron, Governor Ambode and Banky W

Governor Ambode, President Macron and Femi Kuti

President Macron presented with a painting of himself by 11 year old Kareem Warris.
The painting was done in 2 hours

Mo Abudu and President Macron