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AFRIKA SHRINE REPRESENTS CULTURE, STRENGTH, MUSIC OF THE CONTINENT- MACRON

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…Visit Will Open New Vista Of Cooperation Between France And Lagos- Ambode

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…Insists State Remains Undeniable Destination For Business, Pleasure In Africa

 

President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday night made a historic visit to the Afrika Shrine, home of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing it as an iconic centre for the propagation of African culture, strength and music.

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Macron, who spoke at the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, at an event tagged ‘Celebration of African Culture’ to inaugurate the African Cultural Season 2020, said he was glad to be back to the Afrika Shrine, adding that he still holds fond memories of the place since his first visit back in 2002.

 

“I discovered Nigeria and a lot of my friends are here. I discovered Nigeria and I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine. This place is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given. I have to say my main memories about this place are friends, proud people, proud of their culture, proud of their art and music. I have a very different view of Africa than a lot of other people in Europe,” he said.

 

Macron stressed the need for Africa and Europe, especially France to build a new commonality, adding that “this new commonality is not based on what is important for Europeans but what is important for Africa, about their culture, how they build their culture and promote the culture and which places are important for them about their culture. Being here, I do recognize their culture and respect their views. This place is important for Africa and their culture and that is why I am here.”

 

He also disclosed plans to host the African Cultural Season 2020 in France, which he said, would be about promoting African culture in Europe, adding that the event was going to be for Africa and by African artistes.

 

“It will include people with fashion, African movies, new generation of artistes will be coming from Africa and it will be organized by them to show Europe and France” the real culture of Africa.

 

“The event will be financed by African leaders. It will not be sponsored by France or European businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new. This season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe organize by Africans, providing what you like and what you have here,” he said.

 

At the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise, a French Cultural Centre in Lagos on Wednesday, Macron said the development was part of the measures to scale up the relationship between France and Nigeria, while also specifically offering the commitment of the government and people of France to development of infrastructural projects in Lagos.

 

“Thanks very much for being here; thanks very much for making this possible and to Mr Governor, we spoke yesterday and this morning together in the car. Going to shrine together yesterday and going to French Alliance now. It’s much more quite, much more calm and reasonable but at the end of the day, I think both of us (Governor Ambode and I) did share the same views that we can do tremendous things together.

 

“Your State – Lagos, is one of the main challenges of not just Nigeria but the whole of Africa. I mean this huge city, there is tremendous challenge about how to make people living together in peace, in a better place and I want France to be part of this story and I do want my country and my people being part of this experience. It means belonging same values, sharing cultures, languages, literatures, music, movies, building together projects, having common economic projects and so on, and this eco system will be not just possible but stronger staying in this place,” Macron said.

 

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode while welcoming President Macron to the State, expressed optimism that the historic visit will go a long way to break any barriers between Nigeria and France as well as foster greater collaboration for economic, social and cultural growth.

 

The Governor said the State Government was delighted to host Macron, a well respected global leader, adding that it would also signal a new era between both countries, especially for Lagos where talents in the arts and creative industry abound.

 

“On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, I welcome His Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to the commercial and cultural capital of Nigeria and indeed West Africa.

 

“We are delighted and honoured to be hosting a President of one of the world’s Super Powers; a permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council with veto rights, a prominent member of the G8 and the World Trade Organisation and a champion of Global Climate Change.

 

The Governor said he was particularly delighted that Macron’s visit to Lagos began on a cultural and entertainment note, adding that the French Cultural Centre and Alliance Française based in the State had always been an asset to its cultural landscape in the same way that Trace Television had also become an invaluable addition to its music and entertainment sphere.

 

Governor Ambode said he was very optimistic Macron’s visit and activities would boost the State’s quest to become the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, just as he said that the State Government would seek to establish collaborations with France and play an integral part of the Year 2020 African Cultural Season in Paris as envisioned by President Macron.

 

“With the exceptional characteristics of our State as the most populous, vibrant and indeed the fifth richest economy on the African continent, Lagos is the undeniable destination for business and pleasure in Africa. The new Lagos experience is being enhanced daily as we continue to create an enduring infrastructural and security architecture for the business of tourism and cultural arts to thrive. This also creates a platform for our local talents to feel a sense of belonging and encouragement.

 

“Mr. President, this momentous State Visit shall signal the dawn of a new era between France and Nigeria especially for the myriad of talents that have made Lagos their home,” the Governor said.

 

He said Macron’s emergence as the President of France has inspired many youths in Nigeria, who constitute 60 percent of the country’s population, adding that Lagos was providing avenues for youths to explore their creativity and talents.

 

There were also Art Exhibition, Fashion Show, display of Nollywood scenes, presentation of a painting of Fela to Macron by Governor Ambode as well as pencil frame artwork of Macron done by 11-old old Kareem Olamilekan drawn within two hours.

 

Highpoints of the night include sterling performances by dance group, Footprints of David, music artistes, Yemi Alade, Charlotte Dipanda from Kenya and a scintillating performance by Femi Kuti to bring the event to a close.

 

 

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Wike, it’s too early to cry, I warned you against making Fubara the governor -Prophet Ikuru

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By Collins Nkwocha

The prophetic hall of fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has spited the former Rivers governor and the current minister of the FCT,Nyesom Wike for refusing to listen to his prophetic warning concerning making Fubara the governor of Rivers state.

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The prophet who is known all over the world for his accurate and precise prophecies prognosticated and told Wike not to make Fubara the governor.He said “when Wike endorsed Fubara as the next governor of Rivers state,I sent him a message and told him not to make Fubara the governor, Fubara will not give him the loyalty that he’s looking for, Fubara was going to give him problems,is that not happening now? it’s too early to cry, it’s too early to regret, it’s too early to call your wise man’s action a mistake because you have not seen anything yet from Fubara”.

The handsome prophet reiterated that many prophets in Nigeria give prophecies because they want money but God has given him wealth and he is not interested in anyone’s money ” God has blessed me with wealth,by the grace of God,I’m a billionaire I’m not looking for your money,why ignore my prophecy, I’m not one of those hungry prophets that tell lies in name of God so that you can give them money,God has blessed me with immense wealth”.

The prophet maintained that he doesn’t even need the money of a governor because it’s meagre for his status and calibre “what will I do with the money of a governor?when top clubs, players,WWE superstars,boxers in the world do call me to ascertain their fate before matches and bouts”.

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The handsome prophet has several fulfilled prophecies;in 2001,he prophesied that Nollywood would experience serious calamities and tragedies if they don’t turn to God,we can all see how they are dying mysteriously,he prophesied the climatic disasters in Oman and UAE,the death of the Queen of England and the sickness of King Charles that will not make him reign for long.

He advised Wike to concentrate on the renewed hope agenda of the president and better the lives of the people living in the FCT because he’s no longer the governor of Rivers state,he is now the FCT minister, which is his new mandate.

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Ignore those clamouring for overhaul of the Naval high command,it’s for their selfish interest

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A group of Northern Youths,led by Adamu Ismaila has called on the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore those calling for overhaul of the Navy high command because they it’s for their selfish interest,not for the betterment of the Nigerian nation.

The Youths maintained that president Tinubu was very prudent and judicious in selecting his service Chiefs and they are the best service Chiefs ever, anyone calling for their removal is questionable.

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The Naval high command have been very resolute and exceedingly impeccable in the fight against oil theft and bunkering; anyone clamouring for Naval high command overhaul must definitely be someone who must have been affected by the excellent job the Navy is doing in the region.

Adamu maintained that anyone calling for overhaul of Naval high command must be someone that is into shady dealings and of questionable character.

He therefore implored the president to disregard the words of people of questionable characters, hiding under the banner of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide to make selfies request

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Amb.Okoro commends Rear Admiral Okeke for squashing bunkering

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By Collins Nkwocha

The Director General of importers Association of Nigeria Taskforce,
IMAN,Amb.Chijioke Okoro John has commended the commander of the joint taskforce in the South South (Delta Safe) Rear Admiral John Okeke for working assiduously in the fight against bunkering in the region.

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The DG who was very happy with the success recorded so far by the commander of the taskforce showered encomium on him for standing tall and not compromising as the taskforce has been able to burst illegal oil bunkering sites in Abia state and Ahoada west LGA, Rivers State,40 illegal oil refineries were bursted in Abia state alone.

He implored him to continue the good job because the Nigerian nation is benefiting immensely from his wonderful and great job.

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