President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Saint Lucia beginning June 28, combining official engagements with a private vacation, according to a report by local outlet St. Lucia Times.
The visit, confirmed by Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, was announced during a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday.
Tinubu is expected to spend two days on official duties, while the remainder of his stay will be for personal rest and leisure.
“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,” Pierre said.
Describing the visit as historic, the prime minister emphasized its symbolic and strategic value in strengthening ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
“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,” he stated.
“As descendants of a shared heritage, the people of our region trace deep links to the African continent, particularly Nigeria,” he continued.
“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 also revealed that he had invited leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to participate in formal talks with President Tinubu during the official portion of the visit.
The OECS includes Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
