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President Bola Tinubu has been awarded Saint Lucia’s highest national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.O.S.L.), in recognition of his contributions to strengthening historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The investiture ceremony took place on Monday evening at the Government House in Morne Fortune during an official reception in Tinubu’s honour. The award was conferred by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Errol Charles.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the honour acknowledges Tinubu’s efforts to foster cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, including trade, climate resilience, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange. The title now accords him the honorific “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, K.C.O.S.L. (Hon.)”.
Expressing gratitude, President Tinubu said he was humbled by the gesture and committed to deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). “I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” he remarked, describing the recognition as symbolic of renewed unity between the two regions.
In his earlier address to the Saint Lucian Parliament, Tinubu pledged to enhance bilateral ties and revive cultural and economic exchanges. He noted that the shared transatlantic history between Africa and the Caribbean must serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation. “We have no cause to regret and every reason to celebrate life, opportunity, and excellence,” he said, emphasising the industrious nature of African peoples.
Governor-General Charles stated that the honour also reflected Saint Lucia’s appreciation of Tinubu’s leadership in Africa and his commitment to advancing solidarity across the Global South. He described the visit as historic, underscoring the ancestral connections between Saint Lucians and Africa.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre echoed this sentiment, praising Tinubu for accepting the honour and reaffirming the shared heritage and aspirations of Africa and the Caribbean. “We are just eight hours from Africa. We must build stronger links, deepen our understanding, and enjoy the fruits of what Africa has to offer,” he said.
President Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia marks a significant step toward enhancing cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
