Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu delivered a powerful speech addressing Saint Lucia’s Joint Sitting of Parliament on June 30 at Sandals Grande.
President Tinubu announced significant initiatives to foster mutual relations and interests between Nigeria and Saint Lucia and the wider OECS member states.
Key areas of focus include:
– Formalizing diplomatic relations between Saint Lucia and Nigeria to create a structured framework for advancing cooperation in vital areas.
– Establishing a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states.
– Providing scholarships to citizens of OECS member countries.
– Extending the services of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS nations.
“As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage, I fully recognize the historic ties that bind us together,” he stated.
His presence in Saint Lucia “symbolizes Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, acknowledging the strategic and emotional significance to all of us.”
As a major player in African affairs, President Tinubu emphasized, “Nigeria has a rich history of contributing to the advancement of our people.”
This occasion embodies “an enduring idea of Pan-Africanism” and promotes unity among people of African descent, positioning the OECS as a valued partner.
He pointed out that Nigeria hosts the largest population in the diaspora of people of African descent, rooted in West Africa, where “handlers of enslaved Africans were tragically taken.”
He added , “My country occupies a special place in the collective memory of the diaspora. Culturally, Nigeria stands as a creative heart with its diverse ethnicities and globally celebrated traditions in music, cuisine, fashion, film, and literature – particularly with Nollywood.”
President Tinubu asserted that as Nigeria continues to enhance ties and trading links globally and within the sub-region, his visit signifies a commitment to deepening cooperation with the OECS in trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience.
Focusing on the sub-region, he stressed the immense potential for enhanced trade and investment: “Shared prosperity is within our reach.”
With Nigeria positioned as Africa’s largest market, this opportunity benefits the OECS as both a source of essential inputs and a growing export destination. “Together, we can leverage our strengths to attract investments, create jobs, and forge joint ventures that will benefit our peoples, ” the president noted.
To achieve shared developmental goals, he proposed initiating exchange education programs between Nigeria and the sub-region.
Additionally, establishing maritime universities and partnerships will build capacity and foster long-term academic collaboration.
Beyond maritime education, the president said, both regions must pursue “joint scientific research initiatives, particularly addressing common health challenges to structure our cooperation effectively.”
Tackling climate change issues is equally vital. He advocated for “sharing research findings” and devising climate impact adaptation strategies to address flooding and drought, thus contributing to food security and reducing climate vulnerability in both regions.
On immigration, he declared, “Nigeria is open to a visa-waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states traveling to Nigeria.”
Emphasizing the importance of enhancing travel opportunities between the two regions and celebrating cultural identity, the president quoted Pan-African advocate Marcus Garvey: “Get organized and you will compel the world to respect you.”
He announced a full scholarship program for OECS students to promote economic and cultural understanding, further solidifying these bonds.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre recognized the scholarship initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Saint Lucian government’s goal of facilitating one tertiary student per household.
He underscored the significance of this development, stating, “Africa’s future greatness will be our future greatness.”
PM Pierre asserted that despite Saint Lucia’s population of over 180,000 being minimal compared to Nigeria’s over 300 million, “Saint Lucia stands proud as a sovereign nation with a heart and spirit deeply connected to the world, to Nigeria, and to West Africa.”
The prime minister noted that this partnership will undoubtedly rekindle the ties that bind the countries.
Meanwhile, at an event at the Governors’ Official Residence last night, the visiting president was bestowed the island’s highest honour. Governor General His Excellency Errol Charles, on the advice of Prime Minister Philip Pierre, conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia {KCOSL}.
The African president complete title is His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, KCOSL {Hon.} President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.