The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, met on Friday in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. The meeting was a pledge for mutual cooperation, the deepening of diplomatic ties, and a practical pact to conquer the region’s recurring insecurity.
It also afforded President Tinubu the opportunity to bid farewell to Blatmann, whose exit as French Ambassador to Nigeria was on the horizon.
President Tinubu lauded Blatmann’s dedication to nurturing the France-Nigeria bond since she arrived in the country.
“You’ve been a maestro of bridges, Emmanuelle,” he said, “weaving threads of cultural exchange, economic synergy, and educational opportunities.”
Recognizing her impending ascent to Africa Director in the French Foreign Ministry, President Tinubu urged her to champion “upgraded technical cooperation” in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
“We stand united in this battle,” he affirmed with a sense of conviction that he has in France a true ally with whom the issues of terrorism can be tackled.
In her speech, Blatmann reflected on her time in Nigeria. “It’s been a treasure trove of discoveries,” she said in nostalgia.
France, she revealed, stands tall as one of Nigeria’s top investors, having pumped over $10 billion into the nation’s economic engine.
The gesture wasn’t merely an economic lifeline or bilateral trade; France resolved to foster deeper relations with Nigeria. According to her, French investment has skyrocketed by a staggering 51% in the past two years.
Beyond the impressive numbers, Blatmann revels in the impact Nigeria has had on her, especially the culture and the people. She expressed her belief in Africa’s renaissance, exemplifying her optimism and the vibrant spirit with which some African countries seek to improve.
She acknowledged the burden of instability on the continent and weighed in on it.
She spoke about Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional stability by emphasizing the crucial need for France, Nigeria, and other key partners to join forces in fostering “sustainable international peace, security, and development.”
According to a press release by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the events at the meeting and its eventual conclusion inspired hope and unwavering determination between the two countries in spite of Blatmann’s expected official conclusion of his diplomatic headship at the French embassy.
However, before departing Nigeria on Saturday, January 13, Blatmann spoke about her adventure with Nigerian cuisine. While expressing her likeness for moi moi, jollof rice, and puff puff, she decried Nigeria’s love for pepper.
“I will be very honest with you and blunt; I will not miss the pepper soup because it’s too peppery. You people tried to kill me many times.”
She also stated that she will miss Nigeria, especially the weather, the people, the culture, music, and dance.
Ambassador Blatmann will begin a new role in Paris as the director for Africa. She has been the French ambassador to Nigeria since October 2021.
