FRANCE RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RESPECTFUL PARTNERSHIPS IN NIGERIA 13-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, reaffirmed France’s commitment to fostering respectful partnerships during an event at the French Residence in Abuja.
Speaking passionately, he emphasized that France does not impose its interests on any nation, including Nigeria, and celebrated the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The event, themed around the fight against gender-based violence, marked the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
It featured a performance by Nigerian artist Morell, who created a special Hausa song for the occasion, and a documentary screening by Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative ASVIOL.
In his speech, Fonbaustier highlighted the French Embassy’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society organizations to address gender-based violence.
He explained that over 13 major projects were launched across 11 states, raising awareness among more than 600 people through debates, workshops, and innovative tools like educational games.
The Ambassador lauded the courage and resilience of survivors, urging society to move beyond viewing them as victims and instead honor their voices as a source of inspiration and a call for change.
The evening showcased the power of art as a driver of social transformation.
Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the creative advocacy tools employed during the campaign, such as Morell’s music and ASVIOL’s documentary, which blended sound, storytelling, and visuals to convey powerful messages.
“These artistic expressions transcend cultural and social boundaries, uniting diverse communities in a shared commitment to ending violence.”
The Ambassador concluded by urging sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism, emphasizing that the event was a continuation of the conversation on gender-based violence, not its conclusion.
He expressed deep gratitude to the partners who made the evening possible, including Morell, Hassana Maina, and various grassroots organizations.
Their contributions, he said, underscore the importance of collective action in building a future free from violence.