society
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.
US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims
United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.
A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.
In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.
According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.
Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.
He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.
He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.
Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.
“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.
The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.
On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.
ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA
Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.
The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.
This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.
The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.
The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.
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