Tinubu’s Visit to Saint Lucia Aims to Strengthen Historic Ties – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing visit to Saint Lucia is not a vacation but a significant diplomatic and cultural engagement designed to deepen Nigeria’s ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM community.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described the trip as a “landmark diplomatic and cultural mission” rooted in shared history.
“Some misguided and uninformed comments have attempted to misrepresent President Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia. It is necessary to set the record straight,” the statement read.
According to Onanuga, Saint Lucia—like many other Caribbean nations—shares deep ancestral connections with West Africa, particularly Nigeria. These ties date back to the mid-19th century, when migrants from present-day Nigeria settled in Saint Lucia, leaving cultural and religious legacies that endure to this day.
From Saint Lucia’s perspective, Onanuga added, the Nigerian leader’s visit opens a new chapter for diplomatic, cultural, and economic collaboration, rekindling bonds that go beyond politics to embrace shared heritage.
The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for broader engagement between Nigeria and members of the CARICOM bloc, building on historic relationships to create fresh opportunities for cooperation.
