Presidency clarifies Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia

The Presidency has clarified the purpose behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia, highlighting it as a strategic effort to strengthen both ancestral and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.

In an official statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit was described as a significant diplomatic milestone, rooted in shared history and cultural connections.

He stated: “In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit.”

Onanuga noted that Saint Lucia, like many Caribbean nations, has deep-rooted African ancestry, including links to Nigeria, owing to a wave of 19th-century immigration. These connections, he said, remain visible in the island’s enduring cultural and religious practices.

“First, 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,” he added.

He also pointed out the island nation’s strategic significance as the seat of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and its access to the 15-nation CARICOM bloc, which holds a collective GDP exceeding $130 billion.

“In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative,” Onanuga said.

Referencing shared historical figures, the Presidency highlighted the legacy of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who became Nigeria’s Chief Justice in 1975, and Neville Skeete, a Lucian architect involved in designing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s headquarters.

“Sir Darnley was born in Castries, the capital of this Island state, in January 1920. He held multiple honours: QC, CBE, GCON, and SAN,” Onanuga noted.

The statement added that the President’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy built around the Four D’s: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. It also supports the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which prioritizes engagement with the African diaspora.

“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation. Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, enriching our shared cultural landscape,” the statement read.

It went on to describe the popularity of Nigerian music at Saint Lucia’s Gros Islet Street Party as an example of Nigeria’s growing cultural influence in the region.

“Democracy as a Shared Value: Saint Lucia is a stable parliamentary democracy, making it a natural ally for Nigeria, which has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” Onanuga said.

He also cited comments made during live coverage of Tinubu’s arrival on Saint Lucia’s National Television Network, where a commentator referred to the Nigerian leader as a “fighter for democracy.

“Demography as a Strategic Asset: Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050,” the statement noted. Tinubu’s emphasis on leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population through innovation, education, and industrialization was also highlighted.

President Tinubu’s itinerary includes a visit to Saint Lucia’s Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, accompanied by officials from Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC), underscoring Nigeria’s investment in education and knowledge-sharing partnerships.

“President Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College underscores our commitment to strengthening educational partnerships,” the statement said.

The President is also expected to meet members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia at a reception hosted by the island’s Prime Minister, offering an opportunity for engagement on shared interests.