Tinubu and Macron Exchange Warm Greetings in Pidgin English During State Visit

President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron shared a friendly and jovial exchange in Pidgin English on social media on Thursday, delighting many with their playful interaction. Tinubu is currently in France for a state visit, having arrived on Wednesday evening.

During their meeting, Macron reminisced about his time in Nigeria, recalling his internship at the French Embassy. On his social media account, Macron warmly welcomed Tinubu, writing in Pidgin English: “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 responded with gratitude, thanking Macron in French for the warm welcome. He also expressed excitement about strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and France. Writing the rest of his message in Pidgin English, Tinubu said: “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!”

This exchange reflects the friendly and informal tone of their diplomatic relationship, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and continued cooperation between their countries.