President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to Saint Lucia has been described as a landmark diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
In a press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency clarified the purpose of the visit following some critical and misinformed reactions from segments of the Nigerian public.
According to the statement, the visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
The visit was warmly welcomed by the government and people of Saint Lucia, a Caribbean nation with deep historical and cultural ties to Nigeria.
In the 19th century, waves of migrants from present-day Nigeria settled in Saint Lucia, influencing its religious and cultural landscape.
Citizens of the island nation see President Tinubu’s visit as an opportunity to reconnect with their African heritage and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Saint Lucia, as the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), also provides a strategic gateway to the broader CARICOM region.
The statement further highlighted notable historical figures of Saint Lucian origin who made significant contributions to Nigeria.
Chief among them was Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979 and held several important legal and judicial roles before that. His son, Michael Alexander, also contributed to Nigeria’s history as a frontline medical officer during the civil war.
Another Saint Lucian, Neville Skeete, played a role in designing the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, reflecting the long-standing personal and professional ties between the two nations.
President Tinubu’s itinerary includes an address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s bi-cameral Parliament, a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and a meeting with the Nigerian community on the island.
His presence underscores Nigeria’s interest in building educational partnerships and expanding its soft power through cultural exports such as Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, which are gaining popularity in the Caribbean.
Notably, the popular Gros Islet Street Party in Saint Lucia was filled with Nigerian music the night before Tinubu’s arrival, a testament to the growing cultural influence of Nigeria in the region.
The presidency also emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s youthful population in driving global south collaboration, especially with regions like the Caribbean.
The visit is only the second by an African head of state to Saint Lucia since Nelson Mandela’s in 1998, making it a significant diplomatic milestone.
Onanuga described Tinubu’s visit as not just symbolic, but a deliberate step toward building bridges with the African diaspora and strengthening South-South relations in an era of global realignment.
