President Tinubu Receives the Highest National Honor from Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s highest honor has been given to Tinubu as the two countries work to formally establish diplomatic and development links.
The Caribbean nation’s highest national honor, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), was bestowed upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his official visit.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the government of Saint Lucia announced the award: “The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
On Saturday, Tinubu began a two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America by landing in Saint Lucia. During his visit, he spoke to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, advocating for closer relations between the Caribbean and Africa.
According to him, “my trip to Saint Lucia is consistent with the goal of constructing a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and establishing a route to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual cooperation.” “It also represents our national aspirations to promote prosperity, sustainable development, and closer family ties.”
In a number of important areas, he emphasized Nigeria’s willingness to further bilateral collaboration with Saint Lucia.
Tinubu declared, “History, culture, and shared goals bind Nigeria and the island of Saint Lucia.” “Our administration is committed to providing better consular services for the citizens of both our countries and to fostering and growing bilateral relations in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.”
Aiming to establish a systematic framework for cooperation in a variety of mutually beneficial fields, the government of Saint Lucia has announced preparations to formally establish diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
According to an official release, “For holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states, Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement.”
Additionally, it stated that Nigeria will expand the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps’ (TAC) activities throughout the region and offer scholarships to people of Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member nations.
