The government of Saint Lucia has awarded President Bola Tinubu its highest national honour, naming him a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL).
The announcement was made on Monday via a post on X, stating:
“The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, where he pledged to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
“My visit to Saint Lucia is in keeping with the ideal of building the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and creating a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual cooperation. It also reflects our desire as a people to advance prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthen familial bonds,” Tinubu said.
“Nigeria and the island of Saint Lucia are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. Our administration is determined to nurture and expand bilateral relations on trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, as well as improve consular services for the citizens of both our nations.”
In a statement, the Saint Lucia government reaffirmed its commitment to formalizing diplomatic relations with Nigeria and announced plans for a visa waiver arrangement.
“Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states.
“Nigeria will provide scholarships to citizens of OECS member countries and extend the services of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS countries,” the government said.