…Ambode to promote tourism in Lagos, as French president attends opening of Alliance Francais building
By Bartholomew Madukwe
Following French President, Emmanuel Macron, courtesy visit to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, July 3, the Fela’s African Shrine is set to host the visitor.
Macron is expected to be in Abuja on Tuesday and after a brief visit to President Buhari at the Villa, would move to the African Shrine at Ikeja, Lagos.
The next day, President Macron is also expected to be at the official opening of the magnificient Alliance Francais building, Ikoyi area of the state.
It was gathered that the Alliance Francaise Foundation is the premier cultural organisation in the world, founded on 21 July 1883, presently with 800 local associations in about 133 countries.
The Foundation 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.
According to the ambassador of France to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, some years ago, President Macron worked at the French embassy in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Macron was elected as President of France on May 7, 2017, under the banner of a political movement he founded in April, 2017.
AMBODE TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, will be on hand to guide the visiting president and will use the occasion to promote Tourism in the state.
AFRICAN SHRINE
The new African Shrine is an open air entertainment centre located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. Currently managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, it is the replacement of the old African Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and music performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti thus making it a tourist attraction.
