French President, Emmanuel Macron, has 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 Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, gave the challenge during a visit to the Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos State on Tuesday night, at an event tagged: “Celebrate African Culture.”
He noted that the future of Africa and the task of making it great rested with Africans, adding 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.
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.
He said: “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.”
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, Ambode 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 event had in attendance personalities including Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State; Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
The event presented an opportunity for Macron and Ambode to interact with musicians, artists, fashion designers and film makers.
Trending
- NIPPS Alumni to EFCC Chairman: You’re not alone
- Ebonyi pledges to sustain achievements as USAID BA-N scales back health support
- Confederation Cup: Rivers United host defending champions + All CC, CL fixtures
- Top five shows to binge on GOtv Stream catchUp this Easter holiday
- UTME: Candidates will now be held responsible if parents disrupt exam process – Prof. Oloyede
- FG restates commitment to press freedom, demands responsibility
- I’m not moved by cyberbullying — Alex Iwobi
- ICAN gives support to Senate probe of CBN’s Ways and Means