By Onilede Titi Faith
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with the honorary title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), during his state visit to the Caribbean nation.
The announcement was made at a state banquet held in his honour on July 1, 2025.
The title, approved by the Governor-General on the advice of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, grants Tinubu the formal designation: H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.).
It is the highest honour awarded to non-citizens in recognition of exceptional contributions to international relations.
During the visit, Tinubu also addressed a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he announced the formal establishment of full diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia; a move aimed at boosting political, cultural, educational, and economic ties.
He proposed visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), offered scholarships to OECS students, and pledged to extend Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps program to the Caribbean.
Tinubu further called for a Joint Commission to structure bilateral cooperation and emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to collaboration in education, health, trade, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
The knighthood and new diplomatic ties mark a historic step in advancing Africa-Caribbean relations, anchored in shared heritage and mutual development.
