Saint Lucia confers highest national honour on President Tinubu
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, July 1, 2025 (NAN) Saint Lucia has conferred its highest national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), on President Bola Tinubu.
The honour was awarded in recognition of President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean region.
Mr Errol Charles, Governor-General of Saint Lucia, performed the formal investiture during an official reception held Monday night at Government House, Morne Fortune.
The Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, announced the honour in a statement released Tuesday in Abuja.
President Tinubu, who will now carry the honorific title “Sir,” expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Saint Lucia for the recognition.
He described the award as a symbol of growing ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia and pledged to deepen relations with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
“I am here as one of you, representing that historical journey taken by our forebears, the history that we cannot reverse but are prepared to build upon with progressive understanding.
“I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country and the nearly 220 million people in Nigeria. I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” he added.

President Tinubu lauded Saint Lucia’s warm hospitality, describing the experience as “thrilling and exciting.”
He thanked both the Prime Minister and the Governor-General for deeming him worthy of such distinction.
“The black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel,” he said, emphasising the resilience of African and Caribbean peoples and urging continued cooperation.
The Governor-General announced that Tinubu would now be formally addressed as: “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He noted that the award reflected President Tinubu’s leadership across Africa and his commitment to unity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, also lauded Tinubu for accepting the honour, saying, “For Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it.
“We want to develop it and bring our people closer together; Africa and this region must be one.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Scholarship for Caribbean students begins next academic year- Tinubu
By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has announced that a scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will begin in the next academic year.
He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, on Monday in Gros Islet.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
The Nigerian leader said that the scholarship scheme is part of a broader cooperation framework between Nigeria and the OECS.
He noted that the initiative aims to deepen people-to-people ties and expand collaboration in education, trade, and development.
Tinubu also revealed ongoing plans to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries.
”I believe we can take advantage of our presence here to get from the fruit that is lower to us and then reach the opportunity we have right here.”
”The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa, and I thank them for the opportunity to address the joint session of Parliament.”
”This will allow us actualise our dreams of getting closer to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and look at other areas of agriculture and food security.”
”We can easily do that by having a working commission. And we don’t have to look farther away.”
”The organisation itself has indicated several actions. We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” he assured.
Tinubu stated that the scholarship programme was developed in partnership with the OECS member states.
He added that a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states will oversee the rollout.
Their task will be to finalise modalities and ensure beneficiaries commence studies in Nigeria next academic year.
When asked about potential challenges in expanding OECS cooperation in key sectors, President Tinubu responded:
”I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving. And that is why the working lunch promoted a quick understanding of the expected difficulty level.”
”If we take a geometric definition of a straight line, which is the quickest point between two points, if we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems”.
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely and practical show of solidarity.
”We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year, based on the President’s directive. This is immediate action,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that visa facilitation is now a key agenda item for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.
Other top priorities include enhancing air connectivity, trade, and tourism.
Asked when reciprocal visa waivers might be implemented, Pierre stated:
”Well, at the joint meeting, we discussed that. Additionally, there are some islands in the OECS, such as St. Kitts, where visa requirements do not apply.”
”We said that the committee will deal with all these issues, and the first on the agenda will be the people-to-people exchange.”
”This will come with the visa requirements. So we hope to have a speedy answer to that as soon as possible”.
Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, where he outlined his vision for a renewed and dynamic engagement between Nigeria and the OECS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Our ancestors traced to Nigeria – Saint Lucian Senate President
By Muhyideen Jimoh
President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, has highlighted the strong ancestral connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
Reynolds cited data from a British census conducted on the island in 1815, revealing that many Saint Lucians trace their origins to Nigeria.
She made this known while welcoming President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament on Monday.
A statement on the joint session issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
“Of the 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia that year, 3,488 were born in Africa.”
”Of these, 34 per cent were from Nigeria, 11 per cent from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22 per cent from the Congo.”
”The remaining 12,794 were born in Saint Lucia, with most of their forefathers coming from Sene-Gambia and Nigeria,” she said.
She described President Tinubu’s visit as historic for both the Parliament and the people of Saint Lucia.
According to Reynolds, the transatlantic slave trade, spanning over 350 years, forged enduring cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
Reynolds called the visit, “a mission to reunite us with our homeland and for our people to work together.”
The Senate President also paid tribute to Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.
“This mission, Your Excellency, continues with Catholic priests from Nigeria who have answered the call and come to Saint Lucia to serve, one of whom is our special guest this morning—Father Festus.”
“Your address to this Parliament today could not have occurred at a more auspicious time, for today is World Parliament Day—an occasion to reflect on the essential role of Parliament and the service we provide as representatives to our people.”
In response to Tinubu’s speech, Prime Minister Philip Pierre described the State Visit as a moment of “freedom and celebration.”
Pierre acknowledged deep ancestral and emotional ties with West Africa, calling Saint Lucia “a small fragment of Africa.”
“Our people have been separated, but nothing has ever been able to separate us spiritually and culturally from West Africa, where some of our ancestors came from and for whom our hearts continually yearn.”
“We are African people who have made permanent homes for ourselves on this side of the Atlantic, on the hills and valleys of the plantations on which we were enslaved.
”But, we have built these homes, Mr. President, not for ourselves, but in the service of all humanity, especially Africa, in whose direction we continually watch, wait, hope and pray for our future redemption,” he said.
Pierre humorously noted that, Saint Lucia’s population is smaller than Eti-Osa Local Government in Lagos.
Nonetheless, the Prime Minister affirmed the island’s pride as a sovereign nation “deeply connected to the world, Nigeria, and West Africa.”
He also acknowledged the Nigerian community’s contributions in healthcare, religion, cuisine, tourism, and social development.
“We warmly welcome every Nigerian hand of support and embrace with gratitude their contributions to Saint Lucia’s cultural, social, and economic development.”
”We are the richer for it,” he said.
Reflecting on Africa-Caribbean relations, Pierre welcomed progress since the first Africa-CARICOM Summit in 2021 and anticipated the next summit in Addis Ababa.
He listed potential cooperation areas, including tourism, air travel, creative industries, fintech, sports, renewable energy, and medical services.
Pierre noted that while Saint Lucia receives over one million tourists annually, few come from Nigeria due to limited air connectivity.
He proposed partnerships in sports, especially football and cricket, and urged Nigerian fintech and healthcare professionals to explore Saint Lucia’s expanding sectors.
The joint session was attended by diplomats, dignitaries, and top leaders from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
Tinubu woos East Caribbean states to invest in Nigeria
By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to take advantage of ‘Africa’s largest market’ and invest in Nigeria.
Nigeria, Saint Lucia to establish formal diplomatic relations
President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip Pierre on Sunday in Castries committed to formalising diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
According to the statement, both leaders reached this agreement during Tinubu’s courtesy visit to Pierre’s official residence on the second day of his State Visit to the Caribbean nation.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception, describing Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers.”
Onanuga noted that the Nigerian leader underscored the historical and cultural bonds linking Africa and the Caribbean.
“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said.
According to Onanuga, the president emphasised that solidifying these ties would create opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
Tinubu also advocated for improved consular services to enhance mobility and citizen support between the two nations.
“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding.
”It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” he added.
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global concerns, including climate change, disaster response, and development financing.
Onanuga noted that the President affirmed Nigeria’s support for the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international negotiations.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Pierre, welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral talks and voiced optimism about the evolving partnership.
“There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” Pierre said.
The prime minister reflected on Saint Lucia’s enduring ties with Nigeria, dating back to its post-independence era.
“Saint Lucia’s small size did not prevent it from offering one of its finest talents to the post-independence development project of Nigeria in the person of Sir Darnley Alexander, as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.”
Pierre outlined possible areas of collaboration, highlighting agriculture, tourism, education, health, culture, and infrastructure.
“The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it. Saint Lucia is now an established global centre for cultural festivals.
“The acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is now a global brand. There is much we can share with Nigeria as it rises in global entertainment.
“We can also share a lot in the film and music industries; moreover, there is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange.”
Onanuga said Prime Minister Pierre praised Nigeria’s achievements in higher education, proposing deeper academic ties.
“Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known.”
“Your programme will give you an insight into what we are doing, including a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.”
“Our distinguished Nobel Laureate believed education is the key to development. My government aims for one university graduate per household.”
Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, with Nigeria playing a strategic role.
“Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and shifting power dynamics in international relations.
“There is growing uncertainty about the motivations behind alliances and the integrity of friendships in international relationships,” he said.
The presidential aide said Tinubu also visited the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, at the Government House, Morne Fortune.
He said they discussed the Commonwealth as a platform for cooperation on climate issues, technical assistance, and economic challenges.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for the interests of smaller states and exploring new trade and investment opportunities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited Sadiya Hamza
Tinubu’s Saint Lucia visit ‘ll boost ties with Caribbean nations — Presidency
Akume remains SGF—- Presidency
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that Sen. George Akume has been replaced as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga described the report in a section of the media as “fabricated and misleading”.
The presidential spokesperson said that President Tinubu, who is currently on an official visit to Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointment.
“There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Sen. George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
“The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it.
“The Presidency advises Nigerians to disregard the fake news,” Onanuga said.
There have been speculations that Akume had stepped down as SGF to become the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
Al-Habibiyyah advocates Waqf as solution to socio-economic challenges
By Hadiza Mohammed
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), Fuad Adeyemi, has identified waqf as a powerful solution to the socio-economic challenges in the country.
He made this known at the unveiling of the Al-Habibiyyah Waqf Foundation (AWF), along with programmes like Faith and Philanthropy, Estate Planning, Rural Development, and Mosque Support Services.
Waqf is a strategic Islamic charitable endowment that involves dedicating assets or properties whose benefits are channeled towards community development.
Adeyemi said the AWF aims to promote sustainable development through the effective collection, management, and distribution of waqf in accordance with Shari’a principles.
He noted that AWF would ensure transparency and accountability, while preserving and growing endowed assets for long-term social benefit.
Adeyemi described waqf as the dedication of property or assets for religious, charitable, or public use, with ownership transferred to Islamic community.
He said the benefits are meant for designated beneficiaries and not the donor or their heirs.
He also explained that waqf provides sustained support for religious, educational, and social welfare initiatives.
The cleric called on the government to encourage waqf, saying it could impact citizens by providing water, electricity, schools, and other socio-economic services.
He added that the organisation plans to raise awareness on waqf and engage wealthy individuals through targeted advocacy.
“The meaning of waqf is that you’re transferring your property to God. This is one programme that even the government should encourage anybody that want to do it.”
“Nigeria is so blessed but unfortunately our problem is administration of our blessings. And waqf will now be a better way of administering our blessings in such a way that it will be useful for you today and tomorrow.”
“We have determined that we are going to enlighten people about this programme not just in Abuja but we are going to move round four or five states,” he said.
Dr Abdullahi Lamido, a lecturer from Bayero University Kano, gave a lecture titled “Waqf: An Endless Bliss”, highlighting its holistic benefits.
“When you make a waqf or by declaring something a waqf, it means it’s no longer your own legally.”
“It is not part of your inheritable wealth or your heirs. It’s not something you can sell or mortgage because it’s not yours,” he said.
“We need to have waqf for schools, we need health care waqf, we need waqf for youth development, and of course for employees generation,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh