Macron Hosts Tinubu in France to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu commenced a two-day official visit to France on Thursday, aimed at bolstering economic cooperation between the two nations. The visit also underscores France's interest in enhancing relations with English-speaking African countries amidst shifting alliances on the continent.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Tinubu at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex in Paris, marking the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in over 20 years. The ceremony included the national anthems of both countries, setting the tone for discussions centred on economic collaboration.

Macron, who has sought to recalibrate France's relationship with Africa since his 2017 election, views Nigeria as a key partner. His office described the visit as an opportunity to "deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria."

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is a leading oil producer and has a thriving film industry. However, issues such as insecurity and corruption have left more than half of its population—around 129 million people—living in poverty.

Tinubu's visit comes as Nigeria faces economic challenges, including rising inflation and food prices. The Nigerian government is seeking investments in sectors such as agriculture, security, education, health, energy transition, and youth innovation.

In a statement, Tinubu’s office highlighted plans to discuss cooperation in "finance, solid minerals, trade, investment, and communication." The visit offers a platform for Nigeria to attract economic partnerships that could address its pressing challenges.

 

Be the Next African Queen: Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025 Awaits You!

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Are you confident, talented, and proud of your African heritage? This is your chance to shine and walk the path to royalty!

Royal Ambassadors Entertainment and Modelling Agency invites young women across Africa to participate in the grand Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025 pageant, themed ‘The Pride of African Royalty.’

Why You Should Join

This isn’t just a pageant; it’s a life-changing opportunity to showcase your uniqueness, win incredible prizes, and take a bold step towards an exciting future!

Grand Prizes Include:

Winner:

Official car

₦1,000,000 cash prize

Tourism trip

Brand ambassadorship

Empowerment skills training

Radio/TV show program

1st Runner-Up:

₦500,000 cash prize

Tourism trip

Plasma TV set

Brand ambassadorship

Empowerment skills training

Radio/TV show program

2nd Runner-Up:

₦300,000 cash prize

Plasma TV set

Brand ambassadorship

Empowerment skills training

Radio/TV show program

And that’s not all—other participants will receive consolation prizes to celebrate their journey!

How to Register

To enter, deposit or transfer ₦5,000 to the account number shown on the official poster.

Important Dates

Registration Ends: 31st January 2025

Crowning Date: 12th April 2025

Venue: International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria

Eligibility

This pageant is open to young women aged 18-30 years old.

Don’t just dream about being a queen—become one! This is your chance to be celebrated, empowered, and recognised as an African icon.

Register today and take the first step towards royalty. For more details, contact us via the information on the poster.

 

Always You, London

 

Always You, London

Nov. 23, 2024

Dear London,

I am Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, the Nigerian brown-skinned young woman who is always overwhelmed with happiness at the mention of your name. I never believed I could fall in love with a city by simply reading about it. I thought it was just something people exaggerated in stories, but when I first read about the Great Fire of London, I knew you were the best city for me. At that moment, I saw you as gold in the fire, refined and purified to be admired by all.

Though I’ve never visited you in person, I feel like I know you well through books. Every page transports me to your bustling streets and lets me immerse myself in all the lush details of your perfect corners. You stand proudly on the glimmering River Thames, a city with centuries of history flowing through every alleyway and mews, and yet, you remain modern, vibrant, and ever so inviting.

How glorious it must be to watch the sunset from Waterloo Bridge, gazing at the magnificent London Eye, symbolising your endless progress. Your streets are filled with stories, whether walking through the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral or wandering the grand 200-acre Syon Park. Each landmark you boast of, from the shimmering Tower Bridge to the buzzing markets of Camden, holds an undeniable charm.

Your rich culture and diverse people make you a city of endless possibilities. No matter the challenges you’ve faced, whether the devastation of the Great Fire, the destruction of two World Wars, or the many other trials of time, you have always risen like a phoenix from the ashes, stronger and even more beautiful.

In you, London, people from all corners of the world find their home. You have given countless souls the opportunity to build their futures, and have raised icons who continue to shape the world. You are the city of second chances, a place where dreams come alive and diversity thrives.

But more than anything, London, I dream of you with all my heart. I dream of a London where the spirit of unity doesn’t just exist, but flourishes, where every voice is truly heard, no matter where they come from, no matter who they love. I dream of a London where every child can look up to the sky and know that the future is wide open, that no dream is too big, and no hope is too small.

I dream of you, London, as a source of light and love, shining brighter with each passing year. A city where those who feel lost can find their place, where broken spirits are mended, and where the beauty of diversity isn’t just celebrated, but deeply rooted in the very soul of your streets.

I might not have walked your streets yet, but I can feel you in my soul, London. You have inspired me to dream bigger, to love deeper, to live fully, and to never lose sight of the beauty in the world. You are not just a city; you are my dream, my love, and my future.

London, you are more than just a dream to me, you are the place my heart has always longed for, and one day, I will walk your streets with a love that has only grown stronger with time, and I will savour every moment with you. I love you deeply, London.

With love,

Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu