French President, Emmanuel Macron, has described the Afrika Shrine as a place of strength, music and culture during his visit to the iconic to Nigeria.
Macron, 40, also urged Nigerian youths to get involved with politics to change the narrative of the nation.
Macron, while describing politics as important, said only Nigerians could change their image before the comity of nations.
The French President, who was accompanied by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, gave the challenge during a visit to the Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, on Tuesday night at an event tagged “Celebrate African Culture.”
Very touched, congratulations to this young boy! pic.twitter.com/hQd3ylxGnV
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 3, 2018
He noted that the future of Africa and the task of making it great rested with Africans, saying that the youths have a crucial role to play.
“Africa needs a new generation of Africans to share the new narrative about Africa all over the world,” he said.
According to him, politics is important because it is a tool to change the society.
The Shrine is an iconic cultural hub. And I say with a lot of humility that I recognize the importance of African culture. pic.twitter.com/u77v7tiEKx
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 3, 2018
Macron described the Afrika Shrine as an iconic place of strength, music, culture and the late Fela as a politician who wanted a change for the society.
“I am very happy to be here. Let me remind you that this place — shrine is a music place as well as politics which is needed to change the society.
“So, I will say to the youths, politics is important, be involved,” he said.
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Macron also announced the launch of the 2020 African cultures season in France.
He said the event would help create a unique face for African culture in Europe.
Earlier, Governor Ambode of Lagos said the President’s visit was expected to signal the dawn of a new collaboration between France and Lagos State in the quest to make the state the culture and entertainment capital of Africa.
Ambode said the event was also about celebrating African culture which was a positive step for France as it sought to rebuild its relationship with Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance personalities including, Dr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Senator Ben Bruce among others.
NAN reports that the event presented an opportunity for Macron and Ambode to interact with musicians, artists, fashion designers and film makers.
