French President, Emmanuel Macron welcoming President Bola Tinubu to France
By Akeem Atoyebi
French President, Emmanuel Macron has sparked conversations online after welcoming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France in a tweet written in Pidgin English.
In the tweet posted on Thursday evening, Macron described Tinubu’s state visit as a “big honour for France,” emphasising the strong partnership and friendship between the two nations.
“Na big honour for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis state visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow,” the French president wrote.
The French leader, who interned at the French Embassy in Nigeria earlier in his career, also reflected on his connection to Nigeria, saying, “E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”
Macron’s use of Pidgin — a widely spoken language in Nigeria — has drawn praise from Nigerians online, with many commending him for his effort to connect culturally.
The post, which included a photo of the two presidents shaking hands in front of their countries’ flags, quickly went viral, garnering thousands of interactions.
“Macron dey write for Pidgin. It is high time we make Pidgin our official language,” wrote Twitter user Daviid.O.
Others lauded Macron’s approach.
“Wow. This is absolutely incredible! Nice one, Macron!” tweeted Talba na Kashim.
