France Returns Stolen Esie Statue To Nigeria

The Government of France has returned a valuable artefact,
Esie statute, stolen from Nigeria in 2011 and seized by
Customs officials at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
The statue, which originated from Kwara State is said to be
between 500 to 900 years old.
The Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques
Champagne de Labriolle, at a symbolic handover ceremony to
mark FrenchNational Day in Abuja Sunday night, said the
artefact was returned in line with France hardline stance
against trafficking in art works and historical items.
He also handed over the restitution documents to the Director
General of the National Museum and Monuments Commission,
Dr. Abdalla Usman. Labriolle described the statue as one of
great antropologic value, while he recalled that five items of
Nok origin were returned to Nigeria in February this year by
the French government.
Speaking on bilateral issues between Nigeria and France, the
envoy disclosed that the trade volume between the two
nations reached about $6 billion annually.
He added that Air France, which commenced direct flights
between Abuja and Paris in 2012 had recorded so much
success on the route that it had converted to the use larger
aircraft. “French businessmen would visit Nigeria in October
this year to access the potentials for their business.
I have no doubt they would be interested provided the
appropriate environment is guaranteed,” he said. He said
French troops have assisted ECOWAS to restore peace and
push out terrorists in Mali, adding that the French Mission in
Mali was a success. He disclosed that 18 Nigerian troops
marched alongside AFISMA and French troops in Paris on
Sunday to mark the national day.