The Presidency has addressed public criticism surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia, stating that the trip is tied to diplomatic, historical, and cultural engagement with the Caribbean.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the visit aims to reconnect with Nigeria’s diaspora and build stronger South-South relations.
READ ALSO: Tinubu arrives Saint Lucia for state visit
The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia has historical links to Nigeria, with many of its citizens tracing ancestry to West African origins. In the 19th century, migrants from areas now part of Nigeria settled on the island, bringing with them cultural and religious influences still observed today.
“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links,” the statement said.
Saint Lucia is home to the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and is part of the CARICOM economic bloc. The visit is part of Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations with nations in this region.
The statement highlighted past Saint Lucian contributions to Nigeria, including former Chief Justice Sir Darnley Alexander, his son Michael who served in the Nigerian military, and Neville Skeete, a member of the team that designed the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters.
The visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy focus, described as the “Four D’s”—Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. It also corresponds with the African Union’s vision of recognizing the African diaspora as a crucial development partner.
Local media reports noted a cultural connection ahead of the visit, with Nigerian music dominating radio airwaves in Saint Lucia. President Tinubu’s arrival was covered live, during which a local commentator described him as a “fighter for democracy.”
The itinerary includes a stop at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and engagements with Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) officials. The visit marks only the second official visit by an African leader to Saint Lucia since its independence, following a 1998 visit by Nelson Mandela.
President Tinubu is also expected to address the Saint Lucian parliament and meet with Nigerians living on the island during a reception hosted by the Prime Minister.
The Presidency described the visit as a significant diplomatic moment meant to strengthen ties between Nigeria and African-descendant communities globally.
