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Tinubu becomes “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu” after Knight Commander title
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Honour marks stronger ties between Nigeria, Eastern Caribbean
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Saint Lucia praises Tinubu’s leadership on African continent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with Saint Lucia’s highest national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.O.S.L.), in recognition of his efforts to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The investiture ceremony, performed by Governor-General Errol Charles on Monday night at the Government House, Morne Fortune, was held in honour of Tinubu’s state visit to the island nation.
Presidential spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
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“I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” President Tinubu said while expressing gratitude to the government and people of Saint Lucia.
The honour, which grants Tinubu the right to be addressed as “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, acknowledges his ongoing commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Speaking during the event, Governor-General Charles hailed Tinubu for his continental leadership and commitment to promoting global South solidarity.
“The honour reflects Saint Lucia’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s commitment to mutual cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, climate resilience, and cultural exchange,” he said.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre also described the visit as symbolic, saying the relationship between Africa and the OECS must be deepened beyond shared ancestry.
“We are just eight hours away from Africa. We must strengthen these links and enjoy the fruits of what Africa has produced,” Pierre said.
In his remarks, Tinubu promised to advance historical, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.
“We are hardworking and honest people. The black race is not lazy. We believe life has given us what we need to excel,” he said.
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He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to expand business opportunities, promote cultural exchange, and rebuild transatlantic partnerships that were fractured by centuries of separation.
The Saint Lucian government described Tinubu’s visit as “a homecoming of kindred spirits”, acknowledging the ancestral connection between the island’s people and West Africa.
