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.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/france-returns-stolen-artefact-to-nigeria/153449/

Mtcheeeew. Who cares kwanu. If they like let thry come and carry our national mace or d already destroyed rivers mace.

ALL I ASK FOR IS A REVOLUTION.

Youths need work.

Free speech or write up. Dts d benefit of 1st to comment. Since i cnt make front page for almost 7yrs on nairaland. I think ds is my time. I even abondoned my first nairaland account thinkn it was curse to make front page and 1st to comment.

Eyeing front page b4 3days.

Dont be too excited on my poo comment. Remember d state nigeria need a nationwide revolution.

Whr is d picture?

They should also pay us for the damages caused and traumatic experience
of losing the "effigy"...........crap!

Does dat change our economy value?

PAGAN 9JA:
THE GODS BE PRAISED!

Lol, what did the Gods do on this matter?

Afraid not to incure the wrath of the gods?

Okay, thank God.

Owo lowo dakpa da

fiercehillz: Whr is d picture?

always want to be spoon fed. Google it! do some work yourself, haba

Dats 4 a gud partnership ahead

na u sabi

eyyahh hmmmmm so dey returned it??

That a good gesture but am sure they would something later

How did it leave our museum?
Who stole it?
Or who sold it?
Someone help me as the Director General......five historic items?

This country is corrupt.

Ok na......Give us our Festac 77 logo artifact oooooo!.
That's what we need in Edo state!!!

PAGAN 9JA:
THE GODS BE PRAISED!

the same gods that were there watching your ancestors being colonised by the british abi na the same gods were been dey watch as whitemen take our people into slavery?

fiercehillz: Whr is d picture?

visit www.devilfinder.com and do some search yourself!

[size=20pt]with all the unrest happening in my dear country, where men maze men in rivers state and some calling the president's wife Jesus on earth and curfew in some states, and boko's more threats, kidnap, bribery and corruption, loss of real lives and so much more, why would bringing a lifeless image made of wood 900 years ago be of any relevance [/size]

Thank God it has been restored,no one can take away wht belongs to us...nt even foreigners...am proud to hail frm esie...the land of stone images....

Britain and US nko? They should return all the ones with them too...

Thanks.

braxjay: [size=2pt]with all the unrest happening in my dear country, where men maze men in rivers state and some calling the president's wife Jesus on earth and curfew in some states, and boko's more threats, kidnap, bribery and corruption, loss of real lives and so much more, why would bringing a lifeless image made of wood 900 years ago be of any relevance [/size]

Hum ok

They will steal it again.

Very sOon it will be stolen again

[img]http://nationalmirroronline.net/thumbnail.php?file=/images_347058434.jpg&size=article_large[/img]

Who Carved the Esie Stone Statues?

Over 1,500 Esie Soapstone Statues were discovered in mysterious circumstances in the thick forest.

after them don duplicate am finish come send the duplicate come back abi?