The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is vacationing in Saint Lucia, stating instead that the ongoing trip is a historic state visit aimed at deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM community.
In a statement released on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the visit as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s foreign relations, rooted in the country’s Four D’s foreign policy: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
Rekindling Ancestral Ties Between Nigeria and the Caribbean
According to the statement titled “Why President Tinubu is on a State Visit to Saint Lucia,” the visit aims to rekindle Nigeria’s ancestral bonds with the people of Saint Lucia, many of whom trace their heritage to West Africa, especially Nigeria.
“In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria settled in Saint Lucia, introducing cultural and religious traditions that are still alive today,” the Presidency stated.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation
Tinubu’s state visit is also seen as a key move in strengthening South-South cooperation, particularly with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the 15-member CARICOM bloc, which collectively boast a GDP exceeding $130 billion.
“Saint Lucia is not only the headquarters of the OECS but also a strategic gateway to the CARICOM nations,” Onanuga explained.
Saint Lucia’s Deep Historical Links with Nigeria
The Presidency referenced notable figures like Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979. Alexander moved to Nigeria in 1957 and contributed significantly to the country’s judicial system.
Other Saint Lucians have played vital roles in Nigeria’s development, including Neville Skeete, who helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria building, and Michael Alexander, a medical professional during the Nigerian Civil War.
Nigeria’s Cultural Impact in the Caribbean
On the cultural front, the visit aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a major development partner. Nigerian culture—particularly Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature—is making a strong impact in Saint Lucia.
The Gros Islet Street Party, one of the island’s most famous cultural events held every Friday for over 50 years, recently featured a playlist dominated by Nigerian music, reflecting the nation’s rising cultural influence in the region.
A Shared Democratic Vision
The Presidency also highlighted shared democratic values between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, calling the island nation a stable parliamentary democracy. Tinubu was even described by a local commentator during his arrival as a “fighter for democracy,” echoing Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
Population Power and Educational Diplomacy
The statement emphasized Nigeria’s population potential, projecting it to become the third most populous country by 2050. Tinubu believes Nigeria’s youthful population holds the key to economic growth through education, innovation, and industrialisation.
President Tinubu will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to explore educational collaborations and meet with Nigerian professionals deployed through the Technical Aid Corps Programme, which sends experts to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.
Engaging the Nigerian Diaspora in Saint Lucia
The visit will also include a special reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia for the Nigerian community. This will allow citizens to engage with their President and discuss matters of national and bilateral interest.
The Presidency noted that Saint Lucia, which gained independence in 1979, has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits. The last visit by an African leader was by Nelson Mandela in 1998 during the CARICOM Heads of Government Summit.
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