President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Africans and people of African descent across the globe to unite in building a future grounded in honour, dignity, and progress for the Black race.
Speaking at a dinner reception hosted in his honour by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, on Tuesday night, President Tinubu emphasized that the historical dispersal of Africans through slavery and colonisation should not prevent the modern Black world from coming together to shape its destiny.
“It’s not the fault of our forebears that we find ourselves dispersed. We can work together, be together, enjoy what we have, and build a future of promise, honour, and dignity for the Black race,” Tinubu said.
Addressing Saint Lucian officials and members of the Nigerian community, some of whom have lived in the Caribbean nation for over three decades. Tinubu reaffirmed his Afrocentric worldview and praised the resilience of Black people globally.
“I’m unapologetically Afrocentric in my belief. I’ve travelled far and wide, and no one is as industrious, determined, and focused as Black people worldwide,” he said, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He continued, “The challenge is ours, and we meet those challenges as we strive to give our kith and kin a better life. One out of every five Black nationals is a Nigerian. All I can promise you, as a man from the largest Black nation in the world, is that we will work hard.”
Tinubu highlighted the role of industrialisation and technology in advancing Africa’s future, urging collaboration to ensure shared prosperity. “Industrialisation and technology are making life easier, and we have to work together to make our people proud today, tomorrow, and thereafter,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the President was conferred with the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), one of the country’s highest honours—in recognition of his leadership and dedication to Pan-African progress.
In his remarks at the dinner, Prime Minister Pierre congratulated Tinubu on the honour, describing it as well deserved.
“This honour is very well deserved. It is reserved for someone who has rendered exceptional service of national importance to Saint Lucia. Our engagement with you over the past few days convinced us you deserve that honour. May you cherish it as much as we cherish your presence,” he said.
Pierre also welcomed the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, commending their contribution to the country’s development and their seamless integration into society. “You know and feel you are at home here in Saint Lucia,” he said.
The Prime Minister further recalled the historical connection between Nigeria and Saint Lucia through Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. “That story must be told and passed on to succeeding generations—it is part of our shared legacy of service between Nigeria and Saint Lucia,” he stated.
The evening concluded with President Tinubu inviting members of the Nigerian community for a personal meet-and-greet.
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