President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, Saturday for the first leg of his two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga to journalists in Abuja.
According to Mr 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 Mr Tinubu would officially begin his state visit Sunday with courtesy calls on both the governor-general and the prime minister.
He noted, “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.’’
The president’s spokesperson said the event would be attended by Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and top Saint Lucian officials.
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, following the joint parliamentary session, Mr Tinubu would 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.
The Nigerian leader 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.
Mr Tinubu’s visit reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu would travel to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit.
The summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to July 7.
The Nigerian leader is attending the BRICS summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, in recognition of Nigeria’s role as a ‘partner country’.
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.
(NAN)
