Tinubu, Macron Exchange Banter in Pidgin on X
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron delighted their followers on X (formerly Twitter) with a playful exchange in Nigerian Pidgin at the commencement of Tinubu’s state visit to France.
President Tinubu arrived in France on Thursday for a three-day working visit. In a gesture of appreciation, Macron shared a message on his X handle, writing in Pidgin, a widely spoken lingua franca in Nigeria.
Macron said:
“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.”
Tinubu’s Response
Tinubu replied in Pidgin, thanking Macron for his warm hospitality:
“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!”
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The lighthearted interaction between the two leaders underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect shared by Nigeria and France. It also highlights a renewed commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and fostering partnerships that promise to deliver benefits for citizens of both nations.
The exchange has since gained traction online, sparking conversations about the unique use of Pidgin in international diplomacy.
