Manny Ita –
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has expressed admiration for Nigeria’s cultural diversity, describing it as a reflection of the country’s rich heritage and traditions.
In an exclusive interview, Mr Fonbaustier said he is particularly drawn to Nigeria’s mix of cultures, artistic expressions, traditional attire and the hospitality of its people.
The envoy recounted his visit to the Kaduna Museum, where he said he was impressed by the artworks displayed at the facility.
“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.
Mr Fonbaustier also expressed curiosity about the cultural meanings attached to hats worn by Nigerian men, noting that the headwear appears to communicate identity and social standing.
“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 diplomatic assignment in Nigeria as both demanding and rewarding, the ambassador, who is in his second year in the country, said Nigeria’s size and complexity require time for newcomers to understand its traditions and social norms.
“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,” he said.
“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 added.
Speaking on Nigerian music, the ambassador said Afrobeat remains an influential genre that is difficult to ignore, referencing the global impact of legendary musician Fela Kuti.
“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,” he said.
He also praised the work of the late Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, noting his appreciation for the track “Ejo.”
“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, adding, “So Afrobeat, yes, I like it.”
On Nigerian cuisine, Mr Fonbaustier said he had tried pepper soup, describing it as delicious but very 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,” he said.
The ambassador also said he enjoyed traditional northern pastries such as alkaki and dublan, which he compared to sweets commonly found in North Africa.
“I also like the sweets Alkaki and Dublan, which you can see at Hausa Sweets. It’s pastries. Alkaki and Dublan, it’s called,” he said.
“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 added.
