Saint Lucia has awarded President Bola Tinubu its most prestigious national title, Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the cultural and historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean.
The official investiture took place Monday evening at an official reception for President Tinubu hosted by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles, at Government House in Morne Fortune.
Now with the honorific title of Sir alongside his many other titles, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people and government of Saint Lucia for this distinction.
During his state visit to the Caribbean nation, President Tinubu emphasised how humbled he felt to receive this honour, noting that it strengthens the historic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
“I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country, on behalf of nearly 220 million people in Nigeria, to stand before you to thank you very much. I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” President Tinubu said.
He committed to enhancing relations between Nigeria and the member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The Governor-General stated that with this investiture, the Nigerian leader will officially be referred to as “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.) President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The national honour acknowledges President Tinubu’s leadership role within Africa and his continuous efforts to strengthen connections between Africa and the Caribbean. It also reflects Saint Lucia’s gratitude for President Tinubu’s dedication to promoting collaboration in critical areas like trade and investment, climate resilience, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.
He added that this honor upholds a shared vision of solidarity among the global South, rooted in historical ties and future partnership. Charles described Tinubu’s visit as significant, recalling the transatlantic history that links both communities.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, commended the Nigerian leader for accepting such a prestigious honour and reinforcing the bonds that connect Nigeria and the OECS member states.
