By Zainab Rauf President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of a ...
By Zainab Rauf
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of a diplomatic tour to the Caribbean and South America aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
The Nigerian leader touched down at Hewanorra International Airport at 5:30 p.m. local time, where he was warmly received with full military honours. Welcoming him were the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
According to a statement issued by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Caribbean nations, particularly under the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which recognises the African diaspora as a strategic partner in continental development.
President Tinubu is expected to begin formal engagements on Sunday with courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre.
On Monday, he will address a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. The event, scheduled to take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, will be attended by the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary address, President Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders, focusing on deepening economic cooperation, strengthening cultural solidarity, and promoting shared prosperity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
He is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where discussions on academic exchange and stronger educational ties will be held.
The President will continue his diplomatic journey to Brazil, where he is expected to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Nigeria will participate in the summit as a ‘partner country,’ a status higher than that of a guest but short of full membership.
Africa’s current BRICS members include South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will centre around advancing BRICS partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development across the Global South.
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