President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron recently met in France, underscoring their commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. The meeting took place during Tinubu’s official visit to France and South Africa, which focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and fostering international collaboration.
Macron commended Tinubu for his leadership and reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria, likening his efforts to the successes he achieved during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. Macron praised Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape and urged continued collaboration between both nations to tackle global and regional challenges.
During the visit, Tinubu also addressed the pressing issue of Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, promising comprehensive policies to ensure every child has access to quality education. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing educational inequality, stating that investment in education is vital to the nation’s future.
An informal moment between the two leaders captured public attention as they exchanged pleasantries in Pidgin English, highlighting the ease and warmth of their relationship. Macron’s use of the local dialect was interpreted by many as a gesture of respect for Nigeria’s culture and people.
Tinubu’s international engagements reflect his administration’s broader goal of repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, with a focus on leveraging foreign partnerships to address domestic challenges.