I’ll Give Macron An Unforgettable Experience -Femi Kuti

Despite last week’s tanker tragedy that claimed 12 lives in Lagos, the mega city is brimming with excitement in anticipation of today’s (Tuesday, July 3) arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Besides Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, it is doubtful if there is any Lagosian that is more elated than Afrobeat superstar, Femi-Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who is billed to entertain the French President Tuesday night at the Afrika Shrine situated in the Central Business District of Ikeja.

Macron, who is no stranger to Nigeria, having once been his country’s Ambassador here, flies into Lagos, Tuesday evening, after the conclusion of his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Apart from the show at Afrika Shrine, which will be hosted by Trace TV, the French President will, on Wednesday, open the new ultra-modern facility of Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi.

Femi assured Nigerians that he has done everything humanly possible to make Macron’s pilgrimage to the Shrine an unforgettable experience.

The Afrobeat superstar says he is not surprised at Macron’s choice of Afrika Shrine for entertainment.

“He was a diplomat here (in Nigeria),” he told journalists Monday. “Probably he had seen me perform somewhere.”

Assuring that President Macron will have a swell time at the Shrine, Femi continued: “Everything has been done to make sure he arrives here (safely) and to make sure he has a great time. I don’t want to speculate but I think probably he loves the shrine; he loves what we are doing and he wants to come.”

Femi Kuti said though his organisation had provided maximum security for the august visitor, he trusted that Lagos State and the Federal Government had woven an impregnable web of security to guarantee Macron’s safety.

“If he comes to the Shrine, obviously he wants to watch me perform and I will perform,” he said.

“But then, there will be other activities. The Shrine cannot handle the security. This is done with the state and the Federal Government. I cannot protect him. Only Nigeria can do that. I believe Nigeria has done everything to ensure his safety is guaranteed. My job is to make sure the Shrine does its part. He knows my father’s story and my story.”

The Afrobeat superstar described Macron as a lover of culture.

Femi added, “The French President wants to be part of promoting African culture which the French always did before especially during my time in the ‘80s with the French Cultural Centre, where they usually took bands to France on cultural exchange and all that. I think Mr. Macron wants to start the programme again, from next year.”

An itinerary of President Macron revealed that he will land in Abuja at 2.30p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, and will head straight to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He departs Abuja to Lagos at 5p.m.

President Macron’s itinerary is also packed on Wednesday, July 4, as he starts the day opening the magnificent Alliance Francaise building at 9a.m..

The new-look Alliance Francaise Lagos facility is a beauty to behold.

Located in the heart of Ikoyi, (Osborne Road) facility is the biggest and best of its kind as it blends today’s innovative and classy design with the traditions of the past.

This scenic Chateau-style Alliance Francaise means more Nigerians can learn about French culture and language in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital.

Many will applaud this as a welcome development that is bound to promote greater interaction between Nigeria and France; as well as expand business opportunities, cultural exchange and employment.

The Alliance Francaise Foundation is the premier cultural organisation in the world, founded on July 21, 1883.

It now has 800 local associations in about 133 countries.

It is supported by grants from the French Government and the generosity of patrons, including its founding fathers who are notable Frenchmen like the scientist, Louis Pasteur, the publisher, Armand Colin and writers, Jules Verne and Ernest Renan.

The renovated building, a villa of a wonder kind, has new additions which have transformed it almost completely.

There are spectacular alterations done to the amphitheatre and the internal auditorium to give it a touch of timeless elegance.

The Lagos accommodation has been improved, increased and enhanced in a way that will pleasure guests with unforgettable experience.

The edifice also has superb space for a modern library and administrative offices.

Quite simply, the modernisation that has gone into the building is simply breath-taking and only befitting of an organisation with the size and stature of Alliance Francaise Foundation.

President Macron is expected to address the Tony Elumelu Young Entrepreneurs event at Eko Hotels & Suites at 11a.m.

The event would be followed by a networking reception at the invitation of the Chairman of Chagoury Group, Mr. Ronald Chagoury.

Culled from The Crest