French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France with a warm greeting in Nigerian Pidgin English, stressing the cultural connection between the two leaders.

The exchange took place on social media on Thursday, following Tinubu’s arrival in France for a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Following their meeting on Thursday, President Macron took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect fondly on his early career days at the French Embassy in Nigeria, expressing his delight in Nigerian Pidgin.

“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,” Macron wrote.

“E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”

Responding, Tinubu began his post by thanking Macron in French before switching to Pidgin to emphasise the importance of the visit and their shared memories.

“Merci beaucoup, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron,” Tinubu wrote.

“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.”

The Nigerian leader underscored the importance of mutual respect and equality in their partnership, urging continued collaboration to achieve shared goals.

“E show say di connection between our two countries strong and go continue dey strong,” Tinubu added.

“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 paid!”