President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been awarded the prestigious Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The honour was formally bestowed by Governor-General Errol Charles at a state reception on Monday night at Government House, Morne Fortune, during President Tinubu’s historic state visit to the island nation.
“I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” Tinubu said, expressing gratitude on behalf of over 220 million Nigerians. “It is thrilling and exciting. You are great people.”
With this investiture, Tinubu is now officially styled Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Governor-General Charles said the award acknowledges Tinubu’s efforts in promoting Africa–Caribbean partnerships in trade, education, healthcare, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, where he announced visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries and launched a new scholarship scheme for OECS students to study in Nigerian universities starting from the next academic year.
Reaffirming his commitment to closer cooperation, Tinubu said:
“I made 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. The Black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest. Given the opportunity, we can excel.”
Prime Minister Philip Pierre hailed the president’s visit and honour as symbolic, noting that many Saint Lucians trace their ancestry to Africa.
“We are proud of our African heritage. It’s time to deepen our links and ensure our people benefit from what the motherland has to offer,” Pierre said.
Governor-General Charles called Tinubu’s visit “historic,” particularly for descendants of Africans brought to the Caribbean through slavery.
The visit to Saint Lucia is the first leg of Tinubu’s two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America, which began with his arrival in Vieux Fort on Saturday.
