President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with one of Saint Lucia’s highest national honours, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), in recognition of his leadership and contributions to strengthening historical and cultural bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.

The formal investiture was carried out on Monday night by Governor-General Errol Charles during an official reception at Government House, Morne Fortune, as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the island nation.

“I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight. 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,” President Tinubu said in his acceptance remarks.

Governor-General Charles explained that the honour recognises Tinubu’s sustained commitment to deepening Africa-Caribbean cooperation in areas such as trade, education, healthcare, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.

“With this investiture, he shall be known as Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Governor-General declared.

Describing the moment as a personal milestone, President Tinubu added, “It cannot be more thrilling, more exciting, and welcoming than that. You are great people,” while thanking the Prime Minister and the people of Saint Lucia for their warmth and hospitality.

Reaffirming his commitment to fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Tinubu said, “I addressed the Parliament earlier today. I made some promises to enhance our connectivity and business opportunities, foster creativity in our future together, and help us overcome the legacy of our forebears’ years of separation.”

He also emphasized the importance of changing the global perception of the Black race, stating, “The Black race is not lazy. We are hard-working and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel.”

Governor-General Charles highlighted the historical significance of the visit, saying, “Today is a historic occasion for us, particularly for our many Saint Lucian brothers and sisters whose ancestors were rudely torn from their tribal homelands in Africa and deposited on these shores centuries ago.”

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, also praised President Tinubu for accepting the honour and for championing renewed Africa-Caribbean engagement.

“For Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it. We want to develop it and ensure that the people of these two regions get closer together,” Pierre said. “We are just eight hours away from Africa. We have to establish links so that our people can know what is happening in the motherland, and we can enjoy the fruits of what Africa has produced.”

Earlier on Monday, during a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet, President Tinubu announced the approval of a new scholarship scheme for OECS students to study in Nigerian universities starting from the next academic year. He also proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS nations.

The Saint Lucia visit marks the first leg of President Tinubu’s two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America, which began with his arrival in Vieux Fort on Saturday.