President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the start of a two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America. His arrival was confirmed in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Upon landing at Hewanorra International Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours. He was received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, and the country’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.
According to the statement, the President will formally commence his state visit on Sunday with courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. On Monday, he is scheduled to address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, in Gros Islet.
The address will be attended by Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders. Discussions will focus on enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
As part of his engagements, the President is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic collaboration and deepen educational partnerships between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to reinforcing diplomatic and economic relations with countries across the Caribbean.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit, to be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. He will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in recognition of Nigeria’s status as a BRICS partner country.
The 17th BRICS Summit will center on the theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Key discussions will focus on advancing partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development among Global South nations.
