Tinubu Honoured as Knight Commander of Saint Lucia in Historic Diplomatic Gesture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in a grand investiture ceremony hosted by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia. The decoration, one of the nation’s highest honours, celebrated Tinubu’s leadership and his commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean ties.

The KCOSL appointment was conferred upon Tinubu during his state visit, which saw him addressing a joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet. His speech emphasized shared historical roots and mutual aspirations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Nigeria’s president arrived on Saturday, June 28, landing at Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort at 5.30 p.m., where he was welcomed with full military honours by Governor-General Cyril Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

During the ceremony, Saint Lucia’s authorities highlighted Tinubu’s role in deepening diplomatic cooperation, trade, cultural exchange, education, tourism, climate resilience, and healthcare initiatives connecting Nigeria and the OECS countries.

This KCOSL honour is reserved for non-citizens who have rendered exceptional service to Saint Lucia and its global relations. It is the second-highest grade of the Order—just below Grand Cross—and is limited to three recipients every two years.

The accolade reinforces Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” underscoring President Tinubu’s active South–South diplomacy. During his visit, both nations agreed to pursue a diplomatic visa-waiver for OECS and Nigerian officials, offer scholarships, and extend Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps to the Caribbean.

Following his departure from Saint Lucia, Tinubu is scheduled to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6–7, marking Nigeria’s continued global engagement and reinforcing its role as a diplomatic bridge between continents.