Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, says his principal’s visit to Saint Lucia is a historic move to deepen cultural, economic, and diaspora ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Onanuga said the visit, which has drawn criticism from some Nigerians, aligns with the nation’s strategic foreign policy goals.
“From the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations,” Onanuga said.
He said many Saint Lucians are of African descent, including 19th-century immigrants from present-day Nigeria.
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“Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the gateway to the 15 CARICOM member states. The CARICOM states have a combined GDP of over $130 billion,” he added.
Onanuga said Tinubu’s visit supports the African Union’s sixth region agenda and promotes cultural exchange.
“Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean,” he said.
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“On the Friday before President Tinubu’s arrival, Afrobeats and Nigerian music dominated the airwaves at the Gros Islet Street Party.”
Highlighting democratic values shared by both countries, Onanuga said a local broadcaster described Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy” during live coverage of his arrival at Hewanorra International Airport.
He revealed that the president is also scheduled to visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where he will be joined by Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, and attend a reception hosted by the Saint Lucian prime minister for the Nigerian community.
“This is a unique opportunity for Nigerians in Saint Lucia to interact with their president and discuss matters of mutual interest,” Onanuga said.
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He described the visit as rare and historic, noting that since Saint Lucia’s independence in 1979, the country has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits.
“The last visit by an African Head of State was by President Nelson Mandela in July 1998,” he added.
“President Tinubu’s 2025 visit, 27 years later, is a diplomatic milestone.”
Tinubu is also expected to address a joint session of Saint Lucia’s parliament at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian conference hall, which was renamed after former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who visited in 2003.
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