Nigerians on social media are buzzing with excitement after a lighthearted Pidgin exchange between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The unique interaction took place on their X (formerly Twitter) accounts, showcasing a blend of diplomacy and camaraderie.
The exchange began after Tinubu and his wife were warmly received by Macron during an official state visit to France. Macron, in his post, expressed his honor at hosting Tinubu and shared fond memories of his time as a young intern at the French Embassy in Nigeria.
“Na big honor for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, 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,” Macron wrote in Pidgin, delighting audiences.
In his response, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and appreciation for Macron’s nostalgic recollection. He emphasized the importance of fostering a partnership between the two nations built on mutual respect and equality.
“Merci beaucoup, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron. 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.
E show say di connection between our two countries strong and go continue dey strong. We must to continue dey build dis our partnership wey stand for mutual respect and equality, wey go help di dreams of our people today and create better future for tomorrow. Thanks for di warm welcome and fruitful meetings, my padi!” Tinubu replied.
https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1862194032379592773?t=TqRuvhO-14aJbJ12ERwxyw&s=19
The informal tone of their posts has endeared both leaders to the public, with many praising the unique cultural exchange. Nigerians, in particular, have celebrated Macron’s effort to connect with Tinubu in Pidgin, a widely spoken lingua franca in Nigeria.
Read some netizens’ reactions below;
@owealthcome: God Bless Nigeria
God Bless France
@Tahir: Wow.
This is absolutely incredible!
Nice one Macron!
@ruth: Your pidgin, nice!
