Nigeria’s President Tinubu receives top Saint Lucian honour
Key Points(5)
- He noted that the recognition symbolised a deepening of historic and cultural connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
- He pledged to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states.
- “I am here as one of you representing that historical journey taken by our forebears, the history that we cannot reserve, but are prepared for progressive understanding.
- “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.
- I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” President Tinubu said.
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been awarded one of Saint Lucia’s highest national honours in recognition of his leadership and efforts to deepen African-Caribbean relations.
During a formal state ceremony at the Governor General’s official residence on Monday evening, Governor General Errol Charles, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, conferred the title Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) on President Tinubu.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) noted that the honour reflects Saint Lucia’s appreciation for Tinubu’s "commitment to fostering cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, climate resilience, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange."
The OPM added that the award also symbolizes a broader shared commitment to global South solidarity—anchored in historical connection and aimed at future collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
With the conferral of the KCOSL, the Nigerian leader will now be formally addressed as Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.).
