By Abiola Olawale
Hilarious reactions have begun to trail the decision of French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exchange greetings in pidgin English.
The New Diplomat reports that Tinubu is currently in France on a three-day state visit.
The Nigerian President arrived in Paris, France on the invitation of Macron.
The two leaders met officially on Thursday at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex.
After a meeting on Thursday, Macron, who took to his official X account, reminisced about his days at the French embassy in Nigeria as an intern.
Writing on X in Nigerian Pidgin, the French president said it was an honour for him to host Tinubu.
Macron wrote: “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,” Macron wrote.
“E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”
Reacting, Tinubu, also using Pidgin, appreciated Macron for the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations is exciting.
Tinubu replied: “Merci beaucoup, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron,” Tinubu wrote.
“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.”
The Nigerian president also urged his French counterpart to jointly prioritise mutual respect and equality with him while building partnerships.
He continued: “E show say di connection between our two countries strong and go continue day 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 paid!”
Meanwhile, Nigerians have been reacting to the decision of the two leaders to communicate in Pidgin. Below are some of the reactions curated from social media;
“Wow.
This is absolutely incredible!
Nice one Macron!”(@Tahirtaliba)
“Macron writing in Pidgin. 🔥🔥🤣🤣”(Kemisiri)
“I don’t know why, but this exchange is so appealing to read. 😁
Can we make pidgin English official already ?”(@Felixazimajor)
