President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), the highest national honour of the Caribbean nation.
The Government of Saint Lucia made the announcement on Monday in a post on its official X handle. “The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
The KCOSL honour, according to the government, is reserved for individuals who have rendered “distinguished service of national or international significance” to the country.
President Tinubu is currently on a diplomatic visit to Saint Lucia, where he addressed a joint session of the country’s Senate and House of Assembly. In his remarks, he pledged to deepen ties between Nigeria and the island nation.
“My visit to Saint Lucia is in keeping with the ideal of building the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and creating a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual cooperation. It also reflects our desire as a people to advance prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthen familial bonds,” Tinubu said.
“Nigeria and the island of Saint Lucia are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. Our administration is determined to nurture and expand bilateral relations on trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, as well as improve consular services for the citizens of both our nations.”
Following the president’s address, the Saint Lucian government announced plans to formalise diplomatic relations with Nigeria. This includes a visa-free arrangement and education-based partnerships.
“Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states,” the government said in a statement.
“Nigeria will provide scholarships to citizens of OECS member countries and extend the services of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS countries,” it added.
