By Peter Omopo
Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia – June 29, 2025
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. local time, marking the start of his two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America.
Tinubu was received at the Hewanorra International Airport with full military honours by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The visit is part of an effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.
According to a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will begin official engagements on Sunday with courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
A key highlight of the visit is scheduled for Monday, when President Tinubu is expected to address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, comprising the Senate and House of Assembly. The address will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom at Sandals Grande in Gros Islet.
The event is expected to draw high-level attendees, including Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials from the Saint Lucian government, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the Nigerian diaspora in Saint Lucia, and the OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary address, Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with the OECS Heads of Government to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration, particularly in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
The President’s visit to Saint Lucia is the first leg of his broader tour, aimed at deepening Nigeria’s strategic partnerships and reinforcing its presence in global south diplomacy.
