The Nation Newspaper

Tag: French

  • From makers to markets: French Embassy holds conference on recycling

    From makers to markets: French Embassy holds conference on recycling

    Designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, and sustainability advocates recently gathered at Impact Hub, Lagos for a conference titled: From Makers to Markets: Building Circular Innovation – A Conversation with Marjory Houlbert.”

    Hosted by the Economic Department of the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the conference had French designer and researcher Marjory Houlbert, whose practice evolves at the intersection of circularity, collaborative making and material experimentation, delivering an insightful presentation grounded both in her experience within French fablabs and in the environmental realities of Lagos.

    Dedicated to rethinking the value of waste and exploring how circular innovation can take root in Lagos, the discussion also benefited from the participation of the French Tech Lagos community that supports collaboration between French and Nigerian tech innovators. Their presence reinforced the growing interest from Lagos’ entrepreneurial ecosystem in circular innovation and the potential for cross-border collaboration in design, material transformation and sustainable fabrication.

    Opening her talk with an overview of the city’s waste landscape, she highlighted that Lagos produces more than 13,500 tonnes of waste each day, with plastics (particularly LDPE, PP, PET and HDP) forming a significant part of the city’s highly available waste streams. Some of these plastics are recyclable, while others require more advanced transformation processes, creating both constraints and opportunities for makers and innovators.

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    Marjory went on to define what makes a fablab an essential catalyst for innovation. Drawing on examples from Fablab La Verrière and WoMa, she described these spaces as hybrid ecosystems where digital fabrication tools (such as CNC machines, 3D printers, presses, ovens and laser cutters) coexist with a vibrant community of designers, engineers, architects and researchers. Beyond the equipment, she insisted, the real strength of a fablab lies in its ability to connect diverse expertises, accelerating problem-solving and enabling makers to move from early concepts to reliable, market-ready prototypes. To illustrate this dynamic, she presented Flowlen, an air purification system born within WoMa. Through the combined contributions of a fabmanager, an electronics engineer, a developer and financial guidance, a simple concept evolved into a functional prototype capable of securing public funding and scaling toward industrial production. This example underscored the power of collaborative making: when a community’s knowledge and tools converge, makers can transform ideas into tangible solutions with real-world impact.

    Marjory then shifted to the topic of industrialisation, focusing on the case of Le Pavé, a French venture producing 100% recycled panels from HDPE and polystyrene recovered from recyclers such as Paprec, Veolia and Suez. She detailed the transformation process, from melting to pressing to forming large, solid panels used in furniture, interior design and everyday objects, while emphasising the crucial role of consistent waste streams and strong B2B partnerships. This example demonstrated how waste, when paired with technical expertise and industrial capacity, can become a viable and scalable material used across creative and architectural sectors.

    In the final part of her presentation, Marjory proposed a prospective model for a Lagos-based fablab, integrating local recyclers, existing facilities, digital fabrication tools and a dedicated fabmanager. Such an ecosystem, she argued, could allow Lagos makers to transform both plastic and organic waste into furniture, objects, textiles and new materials, creating local jobs, stimulating creative industries, and strengthening the city’s circular economy.

    The conference highlighted the growing collaboration between France and Nigeria in advancing sustainable and innovative approaches to design, fabrication and material transformation. By convening experts and local stakeholders around shared environmental challenges, the Embassy reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, creativity and Franco–Nigerian cooperation in the circular economy.

  • Stakeholders seek incentives for French learning 

    Stakeholders seek incentives for French learning 

    Stakeholders have advocated incentives for French learning in Nigeria, to unlock more socio-economic opportunities across the country.

    They include the Director, Alliance Franciase, Ibadan, Mrs Olaide Turner-Moyet, Alliance Franciase French Facilitator and Assistant Lecturer at the Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Mr. Shadrack Afolabi Bamidele, and a French learner at the centre, Blessing Ojo, among others.

    Speaking during the out session of the 2024/2025 French Competence Summer held at Alliance Franciase, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Turner-Moyet said French was the second most spoken foreign language in Nigeria, hence the need to create an enabling environment for its learning and socio-interactionalism.

    She said there was need to support visibility and accessibility of French learning in Nigeria, particularly among civil servants, students, social workers, artisans and traders, to ensure global competitiveness.

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    Alliance Franciase French facilitator and assistant lecturer at the Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Mr. Shadrack  Bamidele, hailed the centre for developing French speaking skills as recognised by the Nigerian government, by making sure learners learnt the rudiments and conversational skills.

    He said learning French had helped learners to fit in into international economy structures.

    French learners at the centre, Blessing Ojo and Oreofe Ayansola, described her French summer class as too experientially and touchy, urging Nigerian government to place premium on learning French competitively as English in Nigeria, to increase citizens’ international participation.

    The duo urged the Federal Government to prioritise French learning, seminars, scholarship and collaboration with foreign organisations, particularly French countries, to encourage local learners break social disparities in Anglophone countries such as Nigeria, and unlock economic challenges towards improving revenues and contributions by local French learners..

  • On the expulsion of French troops in West Africa

    On the expulsion of French troops in West Africa

    • By Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku

    Sir: The recent expulsions of French troops from West African countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Ivory Coast, mark a significant shift in the regional dynamics. This development presents an opportunity for West Africa to redefine its relationship with France and other external partners, prioritizing regional security, economic development, and political stability.

    The presence of French troops in West Africa has been a subject of debate for many years. On one hand, French troops have been instrumental in combating terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Boko Haram in the Sahel region. Their military expertise and resources have helped to weaken these organizations and prevent the spread of extremism. Additionally, French forces have contributed to maintaining stability in regions plagued by conflict, such as Mali and the Central African Republic. Their presence has helped to prevent the escalation of violence and protect civilian populations.

    Furthermore, French military cooperation with West African countries has enabled the transfer of skills, knowledge, and technology to local security forces. This capacity building has enhanced the ability of West African countries to address their own security challenges. French businesses also have significant economic interests in West Africa, particularly in the energy and natural resources sectors. The presence of French troops helps to secure these interests and protect French investments.

    However, the presence of the troops has also been perceived as a form of neo-colonialism, where France seeks to maintain its influence and control over the region. This perception fuels resentment and mistrust towards French involvement. Many West Africans view the French military presence as an affront to national sovereignty, particularly when French forces operate with relative impunity and without sufficient coordination with local authorities.

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    The reliance on French military assistance has also created a culture of dependence, undermining the ability of the West African countries to develop their own security capabilities and address their unique challenges. Moreover, French military operations in West Africa have been criticized for human rights abuses, including civilian casualties, displacement, and mistreatment of detainees.

    The expulsion of French troops from Ivory Coast, in particular, highlights the growing desire for regional sovereignty. In their statement, the Ivorian government cited the need to “reorganize” its defence and security architecture, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and independence. This move is seen as a significant blow to France’s influence in the region, as Ivory Coast has historically been one of France’s closest allies in West Africa.

    As France re-evaluates its military presence in West Africa, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities of this relationship. While French troops have contributed to regional stability, their presence has also been perceived as undermining West African sovereignty and creating dependence on foreign military aid.

    Ultimately, a new era of regional sovereignty in West Africa must be built on mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to African-led solutions. France must adapt to the changing landscape of West African politics and security, prioritizing cooperation, capacity building, and the empowerment of regional security forces. By doing so, France can help foster a more stable, prosperous, and sovereign West Africa, one that is capable of addressing its own challenges and realizing its full potential.

    •Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku, PhD

    Abuja.

  • Hysteria over French military base

    Hysteria over French military base

    The hysteria over the siting of a French military base in Nigeria has strangely not abated weeks after the rumour gained traction, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria. The story didn’t make any sense, but someone originated and disseminated it in the hope it would imbue the rumour with political colouration as well as probably weaponising it. There is of course no truth to the story, and government officials have strenuously refuted the story and provided evidence of its falsity. No one could hide white Frenchmen in the Sahel, or bivouac them in nondescript accommodations along Nigeria-Nigerien borders. But Northern Nigerian elites who could send scouts to confirm the presence or planned deployment of French soldiers in Nigeria were uninterested in taking such steps. They know what they are doing.

    Astonished that some Nigerian elites could be both ignorant and gullible, Niger Republic junta leader Gen. Abdourahame Tchiani added embellishments of his own. He probably understands that some Nigerians are eager to believe the worst of their leaders, so he gave them harder bones to chew. Last week he addressed his nation and accused Nigerian government of laxity in allowing the Lakurawa terrorist group to take root and flourish, to the point of now threatening Niger Republic. In fact he goes ahead to allege that Nigeria and France had colluded to arm the Lakurawa against Niger Republic, yes the same terrorist group that Nigeria is deploying huge military arsenal to combat. The aim, he alleges, is to destabilise the Niger Republic government and force its capitulation. Fortunately, other than a few hardened Nigerian irredentists, no one else in Nigeria or anyone at all in Niger Republic believes his tall stories about insurgency and destabilisation.

    Gen. Tchiani is under pressure over his country’s worsening economic, security and political conditions. He will clutch at any straw to stay afloat. His fellow coupists in Mali and Burkina Faso installed as military administrators of their countries are also reportedly under pressure over worsening socio-economic conditions. Their citizens are demanding a timetable for the restoration of democratic rule, months after they foolishly gave rousing welcome to the coup leaders, and many months after they rallied on the streets in favour of Russian presence on their soils and denounced ECOWAS attempt to compel the return of democracy. Their folly is now attracting a backlash in terms of worsening economy, human rights abuse, and faltering counterinsurgency operations against Sahelian Jihadists linked to al-Qaeda. Even their Sahel alliance (AES) has proceeded only tentatively.

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    The easiest part of any rebellion, whether a military coup or a revolution, is to make empty utopian promises. Some misguided Nigerians, including activists claiming to be dedicated to the cause of democracy and good governance, clamoured for revolution or coup after the 2023 polls and during the ‘end bad governance’ protests. The problem, always, is that once the coup madness is activated, no one can predict its course. It is, therefore, dismaying that some Nigerians, still clutching to the old power order, are lending themselves to the service of an ignoble cause. They focus on demonising France rather than on campaigning for Nigeria to ensure good and favourable terms in its economic dealings with other countries, including France. If Francophone countries detest France for various economic and probably political and security reasons that hark back to their histories, it is unrealistic for Nigeria to inherit other people’s conflicts. After all, France is one of the highest importers of Nigeria’s oil.

    The Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic) has shortsightedly opted for the embrace of Russia, with China and Turkiye on the sidelines, partly because they do not want to be accountable to their regional and continental neighbours. They also resent the peer review mechanisms put in place by their ECOWAS brother states. They are at liberty to engage in political and strategic alliances, whether these make sense or not, and expose themselves to proxy wars by the great powers. After all, last September they even indicated their resolve to issue new biometric passports for their countries. What is, however, dispiriting is when members of the Nigerian elite who should know better begin to sponsor despicable campaigns to force Nigeria into shortsighted alliances and also weaponise falsehoods to destabilise their country. Elections 2027 are not too far away. They should return to the drawing board and find ways of winning polls without destroying their country or setting ethnic and religious groups against one another.  

  • Nigeria, French bodies showcase emerging tech ecosystem

    Nigeria, French bodies showcase emerging tech ecosystem

    To strengthen tech collaborations between France and Nigeria, the Regional Economic Service (RES) in Lagos and Expertise France, have kicked off a programme to showcase France’s tech ecosystem.

       The programme, which kicked off December 1 and will run till tomorrow, offers Nigerians an exclusive opportunity to engage with key players in France’s technology and innovation landscape.

       Designed to foster collaboration between both countries’ tech ecosystems, it hopes to pave the way for innovative partnerships and knowledge sharing.

    Highlights of the programme include participation in the Emerging Valley Summit in Marseille, a premier platform connecting innovators and stakeholders driving innovation between Europe and Africa.

    Delegates will also engage in networking sessions with Marseille’s tech ecosystem and participate in exploratory meetings with leading tech players in Paris.

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        The Nigerian participants include, Chiamaka Moses (Digital Innovation Analyst, SpaceNXT-Union Bank); Femi Adekoya (Founder/Managing Director, Integrated Aerial Precision); Dare Adebayo (Co-founder and COO, Edves); Peace Osayuwamen Saleh (CEO/Creative Director, Parallax Consulting Ltd); Emeka Ajene (Managing Director, Africreate); Oluwajoba Oloba (Co-Founder, The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd) and Alero Boyo (Partnerships Lead at Premia Business Network & Founder at AlexBoyo World).

    This programme reflects France’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting growth of digital ecosystems and strengthening partnerships. It builds on earlier initiatives such as the mission organised during the Vivatech exhibition in Paris in May, where a delegation of Nigerian tech leaders met key figures from France’s tech ecosystem to explore collaboration.

     Also, the SER organised two French tech bootcamps that brought together Nigerian tech innovators and French experts to enhance knowledge sharing and encourage sustainable partnerships.

  • French Embassy, FIN present Digitalism

    French Embassy, FIN present Digitalism

    In an ode to Nigerian Alté culture, the French embassy in Nigeria, the French Institute in Nigeria (FIN), Abba Makama, and Anthony Dike, have partnered to present a four-in-one event, titled, Digitalism.

    The event which will be held at O’DA Gallery in Lagos on Saturday, November 23, 2024, will kick off at 5 pm and run till 11 pm.

     ‘Digitalism’ will feature virtual and augmented reality experiences, a documentary screening and panel discussion, and a vinyl DJ set by Jomi Marcus-Bello. The aim of the event is to get the audience to explore and reflect on what it means to be an alternative in the digital age.

    The highlight of the event will be the Lagos premiere of the documentary ‘The Kids Are O.K’ by Nigerian film director, Abba Makama.

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    The documentary explores the different forms taken by ‘alté’ culture in Nigeria, and more specifically in Lagos. In opposition to the ‘mainstream’, ‘alté’ culture is expressed in fashion, music, sport, and gender identity. The documentary sets out to meet the various players who identify with this movement, questioning their place in society and trying to define what unites them.

    The screening will be followed by a discussion and a question and answer session moderated by the director of The Republic journal, awake Lawal alongside film director, Abba Makama; Jomi Marcus-Bello (WAF), Kunle Tejuosho (Jazzhole) and creative director/designer/stylist, Ashley Okoli.

    The French embassy in Nigeria and the French Institute in Nigeria are organising this event as part of Novembre Numérique, an annual international event launched by the Institut Français, celebrating digital culture and innovation. Novembre Numérique examines the place of digital technology in our societies, provides training in new uses, and showcases the richness and diversity of digital creation.

  • Experts outline career, educational benefits of proficiency in French

    Experts outline career, educational benefits of proficiency in French

    French experts have listed benefits, educationally and career-wise, that can be derived from learning French and adopting it as a second language.

     Speaking yesterday at the kick-off of this year’s French Week celebrations: ‘French Up Your Career’, at  University of Lagos’, experts from France and Nigeria, led attendees and guests through ways they could progress in international career with French language.

     The event, organised by French-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce with French Embassy, brought together academics and professionals involved in creating opportunities for young Nigerians learning French.

     As part of further educational and linguistic cooperation, the embassy launched a project, “Developing the employability of young people in Nigeria through specialised French”.

    The embassy said the objective is to support the creation of adapted language programmes in Nigerian universities and to mobilise a network of educational and economic actors with human resource policies supportive of bilingual professionals. Hosted by UNILAG, the event drew students and attendees from UNILAG and other universities in Nigeria.

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     The Linguistic attaché at  French Embassy, Magaly Losange, noted that the National Policy on Education states that French is the second official language in Nigeria and that its teaching is compulsory at lower secondary level.

    He added that it is a priority for universities, given its economic and diplomatic importance. “While this statutory and socio-political framework should allow for optimal development of  French language in schools and universities, challenges remain to train young learners of French in the best way, and to make them competitive in the market,” she said.

     Part of the concerns raised by attendees, such as the best way to acquire solid oral skills; career opportunities for French speakers; how to officially certify one’s level of French and how best to prepare for a job interview, among others, were all answered by  representatives of the French Embassy and other academic and professional partners involved.

  • Excitement as CCSF, French Embassy taekwondo workshop ends in Abuja

    Excitement as CCSF, French Embassy taekwondo workshop ends in Abuja

    Ninety participants were held spellbound as the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation completed its one-day workshop, held at the Springhall British School in Abuja.

    The aim of the workshop, which was supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria and the French Institute, was to inspire young participants and educate them about the Olympics, self-defence, and taekwondo.

    In the first part of the workshop, 40 girls from the secondary school were taught about self-defense – the importance of environmental awareness, techniques, and the legal use of self-defense.

    The practice session, supervised by Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije, included defense against attacks to the face and how to react to being held against their will

    The second half of the workshop had 50 kids from the primary schools with inspirational stories about the Olympics before being taught about the Olympics and taekwondo.

    The kids learned about the Olympic motto, creed, flag meaning, Olympic cycles and sports in the Olympics as well as life lessons about Olympians like legendary gymnast Simone Biles of USA, the inspirational Eric Moussambani of Equatorial Guinea, revolutionary Dick Flosbury of USA and Nigeria’s Taekwondo icon, Chika Chukuwmerije.

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    In introducing Taekwondo, the kids were taught about the etiquette of Taekwondo as well as the rules, equipment, and scoring procedures in Taekwondo, one of the current core sports at the Olympics.

    Attaché to the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, lauded the impact of the program on the participants and others present, including observers from the French Embassy and Institute Francais.

    Chukwumerije said: “I accepted to do this program because I know it will add a lot of educational value to kids and inspire the young people. I loved this kind of impact so I was very happy to see the eyes of kids light up as we spoke about the different challenges of Olympians and how they overcame it. If anyone stops these kids and asks them about the Olympics and taekwondo, they will give a knowledgeable answer. This makes me happy.”

    The workshop lasted for three hours across two segments with participants flooding for pictures and autographs after a successful completion of the program.

  • French, Finnish embassies,NiMet to partner on mutual areas

    French, Finnish embassies,NiMet to partner on mutual areas

    The Embassies of Finland and France in Abuja have agreed to facilitate ties between the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Finnish and French companies.

    At a tripartite meeting yesterday at the French Embassy in Abuja, the Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Leena Pylvanainen described NiMet as a key institution in Nigeria.

    She said: “We have followed its climate and weather-related activities and we see opportunities for collaboration in infrastructural development, capacity- building and project management.

    “The Finnish Embassy in Nigeria is also keen to facilitate relationships between NiMet and Finnish companies.”

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    She further said the Director-General of NiMet,  Prof. Charles Anosike, said will have opportunity to meet some of the companies at the sidelines of the forthcoming 78 session of the Executive Council (EC‑78) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland later this month.

    The Charge D’Affaires of the French Embassy in Abuja, Jean-Francois Hasperue, said the meeting was convened to explore opportunities of working together as partners.

    Prof. Anosike said the partnership will help to improve the observation infrastructure across the country.

    He said: “NiMet services all sectors of the Nigerian economy. The challenge we face is how to constantly improve our observation infrastructure and maintain them as we have footprints nationwide.

    “With fast-changing technologies, the equipment gets obsolete so quickly. We welcome your ideas for support and partnership and look forward to also hosting you at our headquarters”.

  • Vintage  Djokovic cruises  to French Open last 32

    Vintage  Djokovic cruises  to French Open last 32

    Novak Djokovic reached the French Open last 32 for the 19th  successive year on Thursday as Roland Garros organisers banned alcohol from the stands in an effort to counter growing complaints from players over disrespectful, rowdy fans.

    Defending champion Djokovic cracked 43 winners past Spain’s 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena to canter to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win.

    The three-time champion, seeking a record 25th  Grand Slam title, goes on to face either Gael Monfils of France or Italian 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

    Djokovic holds a 19-0 winning record against Monfils and has defeated Musetti four times in five meetings.

    However, the Italian gave the Serb a major scare at the French Open in 2021 when he won the first two sets before having to retire injured in the decider.

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     “It was a difficult match against Roberto. He hit a lot of very good and precise shots,” said Djokovic. “The last game of the first set I played really well and started to play at a higher level. At the end of the match I was then playing very well.”

    Also easing through to the third round on another rain-hit day in the French capital were women’s title contenders Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.

    However, the behaviour of fans at the tournament, which was brought into focus by Belgium’s David Goffin’s claim that he had chewing gum spat at him, prompted a series of measures to clampdown on loutish behaviour.

    “Alcohol has been allowed in the stadiums until now but that’s over,” tournament director Amelie Mauresmo told reporters.

    However, alcohol including beer from mobile vendors, will still be sold around the grounds.

    Mauresmo said fans will be ejected if they throw something at a player and that “umpires have tighter, even more precise instructions on keeping the crowd under control”.

    Fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who effectively ended Rafael Nadal’s French Open career in the first round, defeated Goffin 7-6 (7⁄4), 6-2, 6-2.

    Zverev arrived in Paris on the back of winning the Rome Open title and is the only player to reach the semi-finals at the last three French Open tournaments.

    Today, a Berlin court will hear an appeal by Zverev against a fine for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

    He received a 450,000-euro ($487,000) fine in October but appealed the ruling earlier this year, leading to a full trial.

    The 27-year-old is not required to attend the proceedings and insisted on the eve of the tournament that he “believes in the German system”.

    On Thursday, he refused to further discuss the case.