The presidency has clarified that, contrary to speculation in some circles, President Bola Tinubu’s trip to “Saint Lucia” is centered on strategic engagements rather than leisure.
President Tinubu arrived in “Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia” early Sunday, prompting some to suggest that his visit to the Caribbean nation was for a vacation.
In response, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Sunday dismissing such claims as “misguided, mischievous, and uninformed.”
“First, from the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations,” he said.
He explained that, like many other Caribbean countries, “Saint Lucia” is home to a large population of African descent. During the mid-19th century, immigrants from present-day Nigeria brought with them cultural and religious traditions that remain influential on the island.
“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links,” Onanuga added.
President Tinubu was formally received on Saturday by the “Governor General of Saint Lucia, Mr Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles.”
Onanuga noted that the increasing volatility in global affairs underscores the need for stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
“Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the gateway to the 15 CARICOM member states. The CARICOM states have a combined GDP of over \$130 billion, a significant figure in South-South trade discourse,” the statement continued.
“In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative. Nigeria and the citizens of the Caribbean have strong people-to-people links.”
He emphasized that “Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.”
The presidency added that the trip supports the African Union’s “Sixth Region” initiative, which recognizes the African diaspora as a critical development partner.
“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation. Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, enriching our shared cultural landscape,” the statement concluded.