Netizens have expressed mixed reactions to a tweet by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to France using the Nigerian Pidgin language. The tweet has sparked widespread interest and conversation on social media, drawing both praise and curiosity.
In the tweet posted on Thursday evening, Macron described President Tinubu’s state visit as a “big honour for France,” highlighting the importance of the partnership and friendship between the two nations. Macron’s use of Pidgin, a widely spoken language in Nigeria, added a unique cultural touch to the message, which resonated with many Nigerians online.
The French President’s tweet read, “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.” This effort to communicate in a familiar and relatable language was seen as a symbolic gesture to strengthen ties between the two countries.
In addition to the welcoming tweet, Macron reflected on his personal connection to Nigeria from earlier in his career. He shared memories of his time as a young intern at the French Embassy in Nigeria, saying, “E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.” This remark further endeared him to Nigerians who appreciated his effort to recall and celebrate his experiences in their country.
The tweet has elicited a variety of reactions from netizens. Many social media users commended Macron for his cultural sensitivity and creative use of Pidgin to communicate with Nigerians. They described it as a remarkable way to show respect and build stronger connections between France and Nigeria.
However, the reactions were not limited to praise. Some Nigerians took the opportunity to discuss the potential of Pidgin becoming an official language in the country. They argued that the language, spoken by millions across Nigeria and West Africa, has the potential to unify diverse ethnic groups and serve as a symbol of national identity. Others simply expressed their amusement and excitement over seeing a foreign leader using Pidgin so fluently.
The viral nature of Macron’s tweet has further highlighted the growing significance of Pidgin as a cultural and linguistic tool for global diplomacy. By using the language in a diplomatic setting, Macron has brought attention to its importance and versatility, sparking conversations about its future in Nigeria and beyond.
