Saint Lucia has conferred its national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), on President Bola Tinubu in recognition of his leadership and contributions towards strengthening the historical and cultural bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.
The formal investiture was performed on Monday night by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles, during an official reception held at Government House, Morne Fortune, as part of President Tinubu’s state visit to the island nation.
“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,” President Tinubu said in his acceptance remarks.
The Governor-General stated that the honour recognises Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to promote Africa-Caribbean cooperation across trade, education, healthcare, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu described the moment as “thrilling and exciting,” and praised the hospitality extended by the Saint Lucian people.
“It cannot be more thrilling, more exciting, and welcoming than that. You are great people,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Prime Minister and Governor-General for deeming him worthy of the honour.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building stronger ties between Nigeria and member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), pledging to foster cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
‘Black Race Not Lazy’
Highlighting the shared history of both regions, President Tinubu added, “The Black race is not lazy. We are hard-working and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel.”
Governor-General Charles also noted the symbolism of President Tinubu’s visit, describing it as historic.
“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,” the Governor-General said.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip Pierre, praised President Tinubu for accepting the honour and supporting renewed Africa-Caribbean engagement.
“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.
“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,” Pierre said.
Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, President Tinubu approved a new scholarship scheme for students from OECS member states to study in Nigerian universities, beginning from the next academic year.
He also proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS nations. This was done during a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
The visit to Saint Lucia marks the first leg of President Tinubu’s two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America, which commenced with his arrival in Vieux Fort on Saturday.
