₦airaland Forum

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, today received H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, at the Presidential Wing, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

I joined Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat to receive German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Lagos Airport today. Mr Steinmeier will surely enjoy Lagos - our arts, music, movies and food. The fine weather and the warmth of our people. Willkommen sir.

NOW: Taste of Lagos hospitality for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. I joined Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat to receive him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5x1vqBZKvs?si=Wdgv49Jxqp17VbPd

Night of Cultural Elegance: German President Steinmeier’s Visit to Nike Art Gallery

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Nike Art Gallery celebrated cultural exchange, artistry and Lagos’ dynamic creativity.

The Nike Art Gallery in Lagos on Wednesday evening transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, welcoming German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who arrived in Nigeria a day before on an official visit.

The gallery, which showcases thousands of stunning artwork, stands as a testament to Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy. Ushers dressed in ‘Oleku’ styles sown with Adire fabrics, added a touch of traditional elegance, while the air buzzed with excitement as many anticipated the entrance of President Steinmeier.

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, the owner of Nike Art Gallery and Nigerian artist best known for her cloth work and embroidery pieces, radiated pride as she welcomed her esteemed guest. “I just want to welcome our Excellency to the city of excellence,” she said with warmth, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

President Steinmeier’s opening remarks highlighted the profound connections between art and cultural diplomacy. “It’s really a privilege to be here to celebrate not only the beauty of art but the power of cultural exchange. Culture, in all its forms, is the bridge that connects us across languages, borders, and histories.

“Tonight, we have come together to honour the stories, values, and perspectives that Nigeria and West Africa bring to our lives,” he stated.

He also underscored the importance of Nigeria-Germany relations, emphasising the role of cultural partnerships. “The relations between the two federal republics of Nigeria and Germany still build on strong ties—not only in politics, trade, and investment but also in the vibrant cultural exchange between Nigerian and German artists, academics, and scientists.”

Steinmeier commended Chief Nike’s dedication, his tone filled with admiration as he said, “This evening would not be possible without you, Chief Adenike Okundaye. There is a reason why everybody in Lagos and in fact, in the whole country – in Nigeria and beyond, calls you Mama Nike, because you have indeed been like a mother to many young artists, especially female artists, and especially to those with underprivileged background.

“You gave them space, skills, and advice. With your tireless commitment, you have inspired them, and that’s what young artists need most – inspiration and encouragement.”

The President then toured the gallery, marvelling at works by both established and emerging Nigerian artists. The pieces on display highlighted the diverse talent within the country, capturing themes that took a piece from different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking with ARISE NEWS, Chief Nike reflected on the event’s significance.

“For the German President to be coming – one has come to Abuja in 2003, that is Mr and Mrs Rau. But for him to come today, we want to show him that Lagos is the place to be. Lagos has all the creativity. Lagos is the city of excellence. So, we’re going to be showcasing the creativity, the handmade artwork that is done in Nigeria.

“All the work in this gallery is all done by Nigerians, no outsider for now. And then, the one in Abuja is all Nigerian as well,” she said.

“The voice of the artist is their work, and when people come to Nigeria, they want to see the work of Nigerian artists. And the only way they can see it is for us to bring them together as one in one place.

“We are showcasing 25,000 pieces here, and all of them who are…these artists we have, forty per cent are female and sixty per cent are male, and they come from different parts of Nigeria.

“We are happy that Nigerian creativity has taken Nigeria to the world map,” she said proudly.

Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti, also in an exclusive to ARISE NEWS, shared his thoughts on cultural exchange and Africa’s role in the global arena as he said, “Yes, Pan-Africanism is very important, but on this planet, it’s impossible for us to try not to live together.

“We are all going to need each other eventually to share medicine, ideas, music, art,” he remarked.

He stressed Africa’s potential for leadership while urging for cultural integrity: “Africa can be a leader in the world. We have to keep promoting our culture and maintaining our legacy.”

He stressed Africa’s potential for leadership while urging for cultural integrity: “Africa can be a leader in the world. We have to keep promoting our culture and maintaining our legacy.”

As the night unfolded, guests indulged in delicacies and fine wine, all while mingling amidst awe-inspiring masterpieces. The event was more than a celebration of art; it was a vivid illustration of Lagos as a cultural epicentre and the universal language of creativity connecting worlds.

We were honored to welcome H.E. Dr @FrankWalterSte8 President of Germany, to the @UNDP🇳🇬Innovation Centre!

His visit reaffirms Germany’s commitment to supporting innovation and startups in Nigeria through its partnership with @UNDP 🇩🇪🤝🇳🇬

#PartnersAtCore

Startups are the heart of Nigeria’s innovation! H.E. Dr. @FrankWalterSte4’s visit to our Innovation Centre celebrates the potential of startups to empower youth, foster growth, and drive digital transformation. #DigitalEconomy #PartnersAtCore

Guten Morgen Eko!!!

Honored to receive H.E. @FrankWalterSte4 at our @UNDP Innovation Centre. This visit highlights the power of partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development. Together, we will innovate, inspire, co-create and unlock new market!🚀

Today, we were honoured to host the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at our Head Office in Lagos. This visit highlights the pivotal role that Access Bank plays in advancing trade relations between businesses in both countries supported by longstanding contributions of the bank's German desk.

For over six years, the Access Bank German Desk has been a cornerstone of these trade relations, supporting over 100 German and European clients across Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, and beyond.

At Access, we remain committed to building partnerships that strengthen global trade and catalyse sustainable economic growth across Africa.

#AccessBank
#AccessBankGermanDesk
#NigeriaGermanyTradeRelations
#MoreThanBanking




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmLUpBdAi5Y?si=HpxhF1GGhSkk2Aka

I was privileged to have been invited to meet The President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the reception held for him at the Nike art gallery Lagos.

It was a night of fun with my friend Nd brothers in the art. @patorankingfire



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKpmBwJpGe8?si=6kWVh9dtjTNiEWxd

An Xtra special #TravelThursday: Sights & sounds of the 1st visit of the German 🇩🇪 Air Force #Airbus A350 XWB 10+02 to the Heart of Africa 🇳🇬 as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier departs #Lagos after a 2 day visit to Nigeria. Auf Wiedersehen👋🏽✈️!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6BhleRt2dk?si=zHdOwPse6cvntWTi



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCFCvh3SdWQ?si=TObHLVAxq1cj4PPa

German president meets Nigerians behind the Lagos start-up boom

DPA
Thu, December 12, 2024

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier got a glimpse of Nigeria's booming start-up scene on Thursday, at the end of a two-day visit to the West African country.

In Nigeria's business hub, Lagos, five young companies presented their projects to Steinmeier.

They ranged from a health platform, based on an electronic insurance card, to a financing platform that provides entrepreneurs with capital.

Africa's most populous country, where people under the age of 18 make up half the population, has become a centre of the continent's start-up scene.

The Nigeria Startup Act, which came into force in October 2022, has particularly encouraged the emergence of young companies in the tech and IT sectors.

During a meeting with Nigerian entrepreneurs, Steinmeier called for closer bilateral cooperation. "Germany is still the country of modern technology; Nigeria is rich in resources and a creative young generation," he said.

"We are perfect partners. So let's realize our potential."

Before his onward flight to South Africa, Steinmeier, a former German foreign minister, met the Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. His four-day trip to three African countries will also include a visit to Lesotho.

dfrost:
Thanks naptu2 for the updates.

Beautiful pictures.

Botragelad:
Nigeria has such a beautiful culture. Look at the dresses!

PulaPower:
I’m telling you

Botragelad:
Yeah. Does every foreigner get a welcome party into Nigeria with dancing, display and dresses like this one or it's reserved for certain individual?

shivisee:
Pandoro people and their propangandas, hope chimanmanda the yam legged idiot and obi will not take sniper for this news?? According to them,no world powers want to come Nigeria,because peteru obi is not the president!