Eric Patrick
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening for the first leg of his two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America.
This is contained in a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and shared on his X handle on Sunday.
According to Onanuga, upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, the President was accorded full military honours and received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
He said the President will officially begin his state visit Sunday with courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
“On Monday, he will address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly.
”The address will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, in Gros Islet,” he said
Onanuga stated that the Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and top Saint Lucian officials will attend the event.
Other attendees will include members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
He said that following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders.
The discussions will focus on strengthening ties between Nigeria and the OECS, particularly in economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
Tinubu is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries.
The visit aims to promote academic collaboration and reinforce educational links between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The President’s visit reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations.
Onanuga’s statement also revealed that after concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit.
The summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to July 7.
President Tinubu is attending the BRICS summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva in recognition of Nigeria’s role as a ‘partner country’.
Reports indicate that the 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.
Discussions will prioritise two key areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.
The statement partly read, “President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. local time, marking the first leg of his two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America.
“Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, President Tinubu was accorded full military honours and received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
“President Tinubu will kick off the state visit on Sunday by paying courtesy calls on the Governor-General and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
READ ALSO: Tinubu to Visit Saint Lucia, Brazil for State Visit, BRICS Summit
“The President will address a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia on Monday.
“The event will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
“Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, the President will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025.
“President Tinubu is attending the BRICS summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, based on Nigeria’s status as a ‘partner country’ — a membership category short of full membership.
“The Partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past. South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are African members of BRICS.
“The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’. Discussions will prioritise two key areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.”
