Nigerians are Skeptical About Emmanuel Macron's Recent Visit
The French president's recent trip to the country has been met with mixed reactions.
France's President Macron recently wrapped a highly-publicized visit to Nigeria, where he met with President Buhari to discuss Franco-African relations, and a range of economic and diplomatic matters. During his two day trip, the leader also held meetings with young African tech entrepreneurs.
The president gave a speech upon his arrival, describing what it was like coming back to Nigeria, where he lived briefly, 17 years ago.
He was also surrounded by notable African figures such as Wole Soyinka and Senegal's Youssou N'Dour at the inauguration of the Alliance Francaise in Lagos on Wednesday.
It's very emotional for me to come back to Nigeria 17 years after my stay. I didn't imagine I’d be back in these co… https://t.co/MGHDb4sJZd— Emmanuel Macron (@Emmanuel Macron)1530645574.0
His trip wasn't all strict politics though, the French president made an attempt to appeal to Nigerians in more informal ways as well. His trip was marked by an appearance at the famous Kuti family-owned New Afrika Shrine, where he was welcomed by Femi Kuti. Macron referred to the Shrine as "an iconic cultural hub."
While there, he was seen enjoyed performances from some of the country's biggest musical talents and was presented with a portrait from 11-year-old artist Kareem Olamilekan. He became the first foreign leader to visit the iconic venue.
He came, he saw, he partied. Check out @EmmanuelMacron on stage with @Femiakuti at the New Afrika Shrine during hi… https://t.co/RVqd93aEVy— CNN Africa (@CNN Africa)1530793483.0
A video of Macron saying some phrases in Pidgin has also surfaced online.
Who else is feeling H.E President Emmanuel Macron’s Pidgin English?😆😆 @ubarceo1 @UBAGroup @UBAUganda @UBACameroon1… https://t.co/RyeBjEa2kb— UBA Ghana Ltd (@UBA Ghana Ltd)1530728824.0
There have been mixed reactions to Macron's visit from Nigerians online, but it seems that some remain skeptical. Many believe that the reason for Macron's visit was to curb Nigerian migration into Europe, others are poking fun at the Nigerian government's reported attempt to keep up appearances by paving roads upon Macron's visit.
Read some reactions below:
Lol. Macron is just here to campaign for Nigerians to stay in Nigeria.— Ozzy Etomi (@Ozzy Etomi)1530740466.0
Macron. In Nigeria. To troll Nigerians. Like all good colonialists— Victor Dlamini (@Victor Dlamini)1530790608.0
Macron is painting a very beautiful picture of France in Nigeria and we are all buying it 😔— Ali 🇳🇬 (@Ali 🇳🇬)1530814834.0
If French president Emmanuel Macron will visit all the shrines in Nigeria. Our government will fix all the roads in one week...— CERTIFIED TROUBLE MAKER™ 🇳🇬 (@CERTIFIED TROUBLE MAKER™ 🇳🇬)1530813916.0
Few hours to the arrival of President Emmanuel Macron of France to Afrikan Shrine in Lagos, the government of the s… https://t.co/tYCTzDTR3R— Reactivate Nigeria (@Reactivate Nigeria)1530609238.0
I don't get y'all niggas talking shit about Macron coming to Nigeria. Maybe he had ulterior motives, I don't know h… https://t.co/MxdE86qntd— Anon (@Anon)1530813237.0
Basically Macron was in Nigeria to tell Nigerian youths to work hard and be ambitious while they remain in Nigeria.… https://t.co/qNqDdTR7wS— Kelvin Odanz (@Kelvin Odanz)1530733355.0
If you think Macron's visit to Nigeria was for our benefit, wake up from your dreams. "Good" leaders can enter any… https://t.co/pjw1beAr0F— ♔ King Absolute ♔ (@♔ King Absolute ♔)1530812708.0
