So, I found myself in the heart of Paris this week, part of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential delegation. Let me tell you, this wasn’t just another foreign trip – this was diplomacy with a capital ‘D’.
First off, when was the last time a French President hosted a Nigerian President in a state visit? Over 20 years! That alone tells you something about the significance of this visit. But what truly caught my attention wasn’t just the diplomatic niceties, but the subtle nuances that speak volumes about international relations.
The president’s visit started with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu being welcomed with full honours at Hotel Les Invalides and Palais De l’Élysée by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.
Consider the venue itself – Les Invalides. This isn’t just any building. It’s a complex that embodies French history, a place where military might and cultural heritage converge. Standing there, I couldn’t help but marvel at the architectural resilience. Hundreds of years old, yet standing strong – much like the diplomatic ties we were there to reinforce.
The symbolism wasn’t lost on me. Here we were, representatives of a post-colonial African nation, walking through halls that once celebrated French imperial conquests. Now, we were negotiating as equals, as potential partners. The irony wasn’t just poetic; it was profound.
President Emmanues Macron’s approach was nothing short of brilliant. Here’s a leader who doesn’t just speak diplomatic jargon but serenades the crowd in Pidgin – a masterstroke that goes beyond protocol. And get this – Macron isn’t a stranger to Nigeria. Years ago, he was an intern at the French Embassy in Lagos when our own Asiwaju was governing Lagos. Talk about a historical connection that transcends typical diplomatic formalities!
But let’s be real. These international jamborees are ultimately about one thing: economic opportunity. And our President didn’t disappoint.
Tinubu was crystal clear: Nigeria is open for business. But this wasn’t just another tired pitch recycled from previous administrations. He spoke about our vibrant youth, about creating investment grounds, particularly in food security. In a world where economies are constantly shifting, this is strategic positioning that could change our narrative.
The numbers are compelling. With over 200 million people, Nigeria represents not just a market, but a potentially transformative economic ecosystem. Our youth – educated, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial – are our greatest asset. Tinubu’s pitch wasn’t just about attracting foreign investment; it was about positioning Nigeria as a serious global player.
President Macron’s response was equally nuanced. He didn’t just offer empty platitudes but spoke about collaborative growth, creative industries, and youth initiatives. He called Tinubu a “great leader of a great country in Africa” – not just diplomatic speak, but a recognition of potential.
The cultural elements were particularly fascinating. The French band singing P-square’s “Testimony” and Asa performing? That’s cultural diplomacy at its finest. These aren’t just performances; they’re bridges between nations, soft power in its most elegant form.
But here’s my unvarnished take: Beyond the pomp and pageantry, beyond Macron speaking Pidgin and the musical interludes, what ultimately matters is substance. Can these diplomatic niceties translate into real economic opportunities for the average Nigerian? Can we move from beautiful speeches to tangible investments that create jobs and improve lives?
The potential is undeniably there. Tinubu’s emphasis on a flourishing financial sector, on creating investment grounds, suggests we’re not just waiting for handouts but positioning ourselves as serious economic players.
For too long, our international relations have been more style than substance. This visit feels different. It feels like we’re not just asking to be noticed, but demanding to be taken seriously.
Let’s be honest – Nigeria needs these strategic partnerships. Our challenges are complex: economic diversification, security concerns, infrastructural deficits. No single nation can solve these alone. But strategic international relationships can provide the catalyst for transformation.
The global landscape is changing. With traditional power centers recalibrating their global strategies, Africa – and Nigeria specifically – represents an untapped potential. We’re not just a market; we’re a future economic powerhouse waiting to be unleashed.
To the skeptics who think these state visits are just expensive photo opportunities, I say: watch this space. Diplomacy, when done right, can be a powerful tool of transformation.
The French visit wasn’t just a diplomatic mission. It was a statement. A declaration that Nigeria is ready. Ready to invest, ready to partner, ready to lead.
Nigeria is indeed open for business. And Paris just got a front-row seat to our potential.
And trust me, this is just the beginning.
