President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron delighted audiences with a lighthearted exchange in Pidgin English during Tinubu’s state visit to France.
During his state visit to France, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a warm welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron, who surprised many by addressing him in Nigerian Pidgin English. The exchange highlighted the leaders’ commitment to strengthening Nigeria-France relations while celebrating their shared cultural ties.
Macron reminisced about his early career as an intern at the French Embassy in Nigeria, expressing his fondness for the country. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Na big honor for France, dear President Bola Tinubu, to welcome you for dis State visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow. E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”
Responding warmly, Tinubu thanked Macron in French before switching to Pidgin English. He expressed excitement about their shared memories and emphasized the importance of fostering mutual respect and equality in their diplomatic partnership. “Na big privilege to dey strengthen dis bond wey join Nigeria and France together. E sweet me well well to hear say di memories of your time as young intern for Nigeria still dey inspire you,” Tinubu wrote.
The leaders agreed to build on the strong foundations of Nigeria-France relations, prioritizing collaborative efforts to achieve shared goals. Tinubu lauded the French President's warm reception, describing the meeting as fruitful and inspiring for future cooperation between the two nations.
