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Jun
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATE VISIT TO SAINT LUCIA: A HISTORIC DIPLOMATIC MILESTONE
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 week
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President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia is a landmark diplomatic and cultural mission aimed at strengthening ancestral, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation. In a statement, the Presidency described the visit as a strategic engagement rooted in deep ancestral, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “From the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations.” Onanuga emphasized that the visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. The visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s international relations, with Saint Lucia hosting fewer than 10 official state visits since its independence in 1979. The last visit by an African leader was by South Africa’s Nelson Mandela in 1998. “Therefore, President Tinubu’s 2025 visit, 27 years later, is a historic diplomatic milestone,” the statement read. Saint Lucia, with its significant population of African ancestry, views the visit as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with African nations. Onanuga noted that many Saint Lucians trace their ancestry to Nigeria, with cultural and religious practices brought by immigrants from present-day Nigeria in the mid-19th century still thriving today. The visit also highlights notable historical figures who embody the Nigeria-Saint Lucia connection, including the late Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979. His son, Michael Alexander, served Nigeria as a medical doctor in the Nigerian Army during the civil war. Another notable Lucian, Neville Skeete, contributed to designing the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters. During his visit, President Tinubu will engage in several activities, including addressing a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s bi-cameral Parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall and visiting Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to deepen educational partnerships. The Nigerian delegation includes members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to mutual development. Onanuga said the visit supports the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, recognizing the African diaspora as a vital development partner. Nigeria’s cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, have made significant inroads in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. “The Gros Islet Street Party, one of Saint Lucia’s most famous cultural events, recently featured Nigerian music prominently, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding soft power.” The Presidency emphasized that the visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, development, diaspora engagement, and harnessing the potential of its youthful population. A local commentator described President Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy” during his arrival ceremony. The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will host a reception for the Nigerian community, providing an opportunity for them to interact with the President and discuss matters of mutual interest. In conclusion, Bayo Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu’s visit is a strategic diplomatic and cultural outreach, not a vacation, aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests and global partnerships. The visit signals Nigeria’s renewed commitment to forging deeper connections with the global African diaspora.
