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The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has expressed his appreciation for Nigerian culture, describing it as the “richness of the Nigerian heritage.”
During an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Fonbaustier said he is drawn to Nigeria’s mix of cultures, the art, attire and the tradition of hospitality.
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“I visited the Kaduna Museum. I love the pieces of art that I saw. Some of them, for me, are really one of the best things you can see in Africa,” he said.
He also expressed his curiosity about the cultural significance of hats across different tribes and ethic groups.
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“Nigerian men wear hats, and I would need a kind of description of what the hat means exactly in terms of geographical origin and social position. The hat speaks,” he said.
Describing his experience as an ambassador in the country as both “demanding and rewarding,” Mr Fonbaustier, who is in his second year as ambassador to Nigeria, referred to Nigeria as a complex country.
“It is very rich. It’s very massive. For a newcomer, it takes time to get used to certain traditions and rules. And number two, it’s rewarding because there is one thing which strikes me, and I’m very sensitive to it as a diplomat and by personality. It’s the warmth of the people.
“I have been welcomed by all the people in your country. People are so nice, warm, and charming. This is part of your tradition of hospitality. You don’t see the foreigner as a threat but as an opportunity to meet and do something together, and I love that about your country. I think this is what is at the core, the deep soul of Nigeria,” he said.
The ambassador also spoke about Afrobeat, which, he said, is impossible to escape.
“There was this Fela Kuti exhibition in Lagos that we have just opened. I’m so proud that France can celebrate such an iconic figure of music worldwide, not only in Nigeria. So I just listened to a song I like again. It’s Unknown Soldiers.
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“I think it’s a very good one. I’ve heard one song by Tony Allen. Tony Allen is really great. Ejo, I don’t know if you know it. Very good,” he said.
“So Afrobeat, yes, I like it,” he declared.
On Nigerian dishes, Mr Fonbaustier said he tried pepper soup, a popular Nigerian delicacy, but found it too spicy.
“Honestly, it was a bit harsh on my stomach. I will do it again if it’s a bit milder. It’s really delicious.
“It’s very, very nutritious, but also very tasty. So I like it. I also like the sweets Alkaki and Dublan, which you can see at Hausa Sweets. It’s pastries. Alkaki and Dublan, it’s called.
“It reminds me of Moroccan pastries from Northern Africa. It’s very sweet. You see, I try to keep the balance between the South and the North,” he noted.
