Saint Lucia confers highest national honour on Tinubu
By Jeffrey Agbo
Saint Lucia has awarded Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, the country’s highest national honour — Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) in recognition of his role in strengthening historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The investiture ceremony took place Monday night at the Government House in Morne Fortune, Saint Lucia, during an official reception in honour of President Tinubu. The honour was conferred by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles.
With this distinction, President Tinubu now bears the honorific title “Sir,” marking a symbolic deepening of relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.
On a state visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. He noted that the award reflected a shared history and cultural affinity between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The Nigerian leader used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Saint Lucia and other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “I am here as one of you representing that historical journey taken by our forebears, the history that we cannot reverse, but are prepared for progressive understanding.
“I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country of nearly 220 million people in Nigeria, to stand before you to thank you very much. I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight.”
President Tinubu also spoke warmly of the Saint Lucian people and the hospitality he received: “It cannot be more thrilling, more exciting, and welcoming than that. You are great people. I thank the Prime Minister and His Excellency the Governor-General for seeing me worthy of this honour and knighthood.”
Reflecting on his earlier speech to the Saint Lucian Parliament, Tinubu emphasised the importance of cultural and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean: “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.
“To see that we can resume cultural exchanges and believe in economic development is a responsibility that we must live up to.”
He also praised the work ethic and resilience shared by African and Caribbean people: “The black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel. We believe life itself has given us what we need.
“We have no cause to regret, and we have every reason to celebrate life, opportunity, and excellence. I come from a country where the people are incredibly hardworking and democratic in every aspect. We are good at agriculture and trading.”
Governor-General Errol Charles confirmed the new honorific title for the Nigerian President: “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Charles said the honour celebrates President Tinubu’s leadership on the African continent and his efforts to promote collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. He highlighted areas such as trade, education, climate resilience, and cultural exchange as focal points of mutual interest.
He also reflected on the historical significance of Tinubu’s visit: “Today is a historic occasion for us, particularly for our many St. Lucian brothers and sisters, whose ancestors were rudely torn from their tribal homelands in Africa and deposited on these shores centuries ago.
“Deeper than the bonds of friendship is that deep kindred spirit transplanted generations ago in these islands, that elevates your visit to the status of a visiting relative, with all accompanying joy and goodness that such rare events allow.”
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, commended President Tinubu for accepting the nation’s highest honour and reinforcing the longstanding connections between Nigeria and OECS member states.
