President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Nigeria for Saint Lucia on June 28 for official engagements and private leisure time.
Philip J. Pierre, the Caribbean prime minister, announced the trip at a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, according to St Lucia Times, local media.
“Two of these days, June 30 and July 1, will be dedicated to an official visit, with the remainder of the trip set aside as a personal vacation for the president,” the prime minister said.
“I believe that the visit of the president of Nigeria represents a unique and historic opportunity to deepen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.
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“As descendants of a shared heritage, the people of our region trace deep links to the African continent, particularly Nigeria.
“These long-standing cultural and historical connections compel us to continue nurturing and expanding our partnerships with Africa in ways that are meaningful, strategic and sustainable.”
Pierre said he has extended invitations to all heads of government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to visit Saint Lucia during the official leg of Tinubu’s trip for formal talks.
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The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—all small island states.
The discussions are expected to explore avenues for cooperation in economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic exchange.
Tinubu visited Paris in April for a two-week “short working visit”.
The president’s trip to the Caribbean Island comes amid growing outrage in Nigeria over a spike in deadly violence that left nearly 200 people dead in Benue on June 14.
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