July 17, 2025

Saint Lucia awards President Tinubu its highest national honour

Saint Lucia awards President Tinubu its highest national honour

Saint Lucia has awarded its highest national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), to President Bola Tinubu in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the historic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

 

The formal investiture took place on Monday night at the official reception for President Tinubu at Government House, Morne Fortune, Saint Lucia, and was conducted by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles.

 

President Tinubu, who will now carry the title “Sir,” expressed his sincere gratitude to the government and people of Saint Lucia for the prestigious honour.

 

President Tinubu, on a state visit to the Caribbean nation, said he was humbled to receive the honour. He noted that the recognition symbolised a deepening of historic and cultural connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

 

He pledged to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states.

 

“I am here as one of you representing that historical journey taken by our forebears, the history that we cannot reserve, but are prepared for progressive understanding.

 

“I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country, on behalf 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 said.

 

President Tinubu described the experience as “thrilling and exciting,” praising the warmth and generosity of the Saint Lucian people.

 

“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 address to the Saint Lucian Parliament on Monday, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS.

 

“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 said.

 

Highlighting the industry of the African and Caribbean peoples, the President stressed that both regions must continue to work together in pursuit of prosperity.

 

“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.

 

The Governor-General explained that with the investiture, the Nigerian leader will now be known as “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.) President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

 

According to the Governor-General, the national honour acknowledges President Tinubu’s leadership on the African continent and his ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

 

It also reflects Saint Lucia’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, climate resilience, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.

 

He added that the honour affirms a shared vision for global South solidarity, rooted in historical connection and future collaboration.

 

Describing Tinubu’s visit to the country as historic, Erron reflected on the transatlantic past that connects both peoples.

 

“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.

 

He remarked, “Beyond friendship lies a deep kindred spirit, rooted generations ago in these islands, which makes your visit feel like that of a cherished relative, bringing with it all the joy and goodwill such rare moments offer.”

 

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, commended the Nigerian leader for accepting the highest honour and for strengthening the ties that unite Nigeria with the member states of the OECS.

 

“For Saint Lucia and the OECS, a significant part of our heritage is linked to Africa, and we take great pride in this connection. Our goal is to deepen these ties and bring our peoples closer, because Africa and our region are intrinsically connected and must remain united.

 

“We are only eight hours away from Africa. It is important to build connections so our people can stay informed about developments in the motherland and share in the benefits of Africa’s achievements.

 

“Excellency, I thank you once again and express our sincere appreciation. We look forward to further strengthening the bonds between the people of Nigeria, Saint Lucia, and the OECS,” he added.

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