President Bola Tinubu has been awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) by the Caribbean nation in a grand ceremony on Monday night.
The honour celebrates his leadership and commitment to deepening ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles, conferred the prestigious honour during a formal reception at Government House in Morne Fortune.
“With this investiture, he shall be known as Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Charles announced.
Tinubu thanked the nation for its warm welcome and the rare honour.
“I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight. I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country, on behalf of nearly 220 million people in Nigeria, to stand before you to thank you very much,” he said.
The president added, “It cannot be more thrilling, more exciting, and welcoming than that. You are great people.”
Forging Stronger Africa-Caribbean Ties
Tinubu pledged to strengthen cooperation with Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
“I addressed the Parliament earlier today. I made some promises to enhance our connectivity and business opportunities, foster creativity in our future together, and help us overcome the legacy of our forebears’ years of separation,” he said.
Speaking passionately, Tinubu declared, “The Black race is not lazy. We are hard-working and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel.”
Governor-General Charles also acknowledged the painful shared history between the two regions.
“Today is a historic occasion for us, particularly for our many Saint Lucian brothers and sisters whose ancestors were rudely torn from their tribal homelands in Africa and deposited on these shores centuries ago,” he said.
Saint Lucian PM Calls for Unity
Prime Minister Philip Pierre praised Tinubu’s visit and noted its significance for the OECS and the broader African diaspora.
“For Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it. We want to develop it and ensure that the people of these two regions get closer together,” he said.
He added, “We are just eight hours away from Africa. We have to establish links so that our people can know what is happening in the motherland, and we can enjoy the fruits of what Africa has produced.”
Earlier in the day, Tinubu announced a new scholarship scheme for students from OECS countries to study in Nigerian universities.
He also proposed visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders from these nations.
This was revealed during his address to a joint sitting of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
Tinubu’s arrival in Vieux Fort on Saturday marked the beginning of his official tour of the Caribbean and South America.
The state visit to Saint Lucia was the first stop in what is expected to be a landmark diplomatic mission.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
