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Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Historic Visit to Saint Lucia as Gateway to Caribbean Ties, Culture, and Trade

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Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Historic Visit to Saint Lucia as Gateway to Caribbean Ties, Culture, and Trade

Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Historic Visit to Saint Lucia as Gateway to Caribbean Ties, Culture, and Trade

 

Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency on Sunday defended President Bola Tinubu’s landmark state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a strategic move to deepen Nigeria’s cultural, diplomatic, and economic connections with the Caribbean and the broader CARICOM bloc.

Amid public criticism and mixed reactions on social media, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a detailed statement titled “Why President Tinubu is on a State Visit to Saint Lucia,” clarifying the purpose and significance of the trip.

“In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments… it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit,” the statement began.

Rekindling Ancestral Bonds, Expanding South-South Cooperation

The Presidency said the visit rekindles Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with Saint Lucia, a country whose roots—like many Caribbean nations—are deeply linked to West Africa, especially Nigeria.

“In the mid-19th century, immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today,” the statement noted.

Onanuga said Saint Lucia was thrilled to welcome the Nigerian leader, viewing the visit as an opportunity to ignite a new era of diplomacy, culture, and trade between the two nations.

The visit also aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s Foreign Policy Strategy: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography, while advancing South-South cooperation.

Saint Lucia: A Strategic Caribbean Gateway

Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and serves as a gateway to the 15-member CARICOM bloc, with a combined GDP of over $130 billion—a key focus area for Nigeria’s foreign trade and diplomatic expansion.

The Presidency cited historic ties, including the career of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. Recruited to Nigeria in 1957, Alexander rose through the legal ranks before becoming a key figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.

Other notable Saint Lucians with Nigerian connections include Neville Skeete, who helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, and Michael Alexander, a frontline medic during the Nigerian Civil War.

Cultural Power and Diaspora Engagement

Tinubu’s visit also reinforces the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential development partner.

“Our cultural exports—Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature—are already influencing the Saint Lucian cultural scene,” the statement said, referencing the iconic Gros Islet Street Party, where Nigerian music now dominates.

On democratic alignment, the statement hailed Saint Lucia as a “natural ally” due to its stable parliamentary democracy and history of peaceful governance. A local broadcaster reportedly described President Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy” during his arrival.

Youth, Education, and Development Agenda

The visit also includes a stop at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to explore educational partnerships, reflecting Tinubu’s focus on Nigeria’s youth population as a driver of innovation and transformation.

The Nigerian delegation includes members of the Technical Aid Corps, which deploys Nigerian professionals across Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries to provide technical services and build capacity.

As part of the itinerary, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will host a reception for the Nigerian community on the island, creating a platform for direct interaction with the President and further cementing bilateral ties.

A Rare Honour for an African Leader

Saint Lucia, which gained independence in 1979, has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits in its history. The last African head of state to visit was Nelson Mandela in 1998 during the 19th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit.


President Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia is not just symbolic—it is a calculated diplomatic move designed to reconnect ancestral roots, expand economic partnerships, and strengthen Nigeria’s cultural and political influence across the Caribbean.

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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VISIONS FROM THE MOST HIGH GOD ABOUT NIGERIA AND PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU:  EVANGELIST/HON. OMOTOSO ISSUES PROPHETIC DIRECTIVES AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: VISIONS FROM THE MOST HIGH GOD ABOUT NIGERIA AND PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU: 

EVANGELIST/HON. OMOTOSO ISSUES PROPHETIC DIRECTIVES AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION*

Evangelist/Hon. Omotoso, National President of the ODUDUWA Integrity Association and described as a spiritual father, has released what he terms “visions from the Most High God” concerning Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid.

 

In a statement issued in a press conference organises by Evangelist Omotoso. He made public series of revelations that are relevant to President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. According to him, President Tinubu will win the forthcoming presidential election with approximately 15 million votes.

 

He further stated that opposition elements will attempt to “cause trouble in Nigeria and cry foul” following the outcome, but declared that such efforts would be “like shaft before the winds” — ineffective against what he described as a divinely backed mandate.

 

*“Lost Glory Restored” Vision*

Recounting one of the visions, Evangelist Omotoso said: “The lost glory of about 35 years in Nigeria has been returned as of 7/12/2025. In the revelation, President Tinubu himself asked me, saying all the vehicles he wants to ride are not moving. I saw him jump on one and I pushed it for him, and it started — _Huumuuuuu_ — and continued working, and the President started riding.”

 

He interpreted this as a sign that President Tinubu will “start a new Nigeria” and that opposition forces will not prevail.

 

*Direct Message to President Tinubu*

Delivering what he called a direct instruction from God to the President, Evangelist/Hon. Omotoso stated: “President Tinubu should go and release Nnamdi Kanu now if he wants to sustain and enjoy his re-election.”

 

He added that obedience to this directive is tied to the stability and longevity of the coming administration.

 

The ODUDUWA Integrity Association said it is making these revelations public in the interest of national peace, spiritual guidance, and political stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

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