Tinubu to depart Abuja on Saturday for Saint Lucia and Brazil
St Lucia announces Itinerary for Nigerian President’s visit.
Anthony Ailemen
Tinubu departs
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, on a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the President will first visit Saint Lucia, on a state visit as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations and strengthen South-South cooperation.
“At the end of the visit to the island State, President Tinubu will fly to Brazil to participate in the 17th Summit of BRICS in Rio de Janeiro,
“During the visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
A key highlight of the visit will be President Tinubu’s address to the special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
“The Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Nigerian community in the country and the Director-General of OECS, Dr Didacus Jules, have been invited to attend the special session.”
He disclosed that the President will also hold a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of OECS, after the joint session of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.
“Discussions at the luncheon will focus on specific parameters to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.”
According to the President’s itinerary, he will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to strengthen educational ties and promote academic exchange.
Onanuga said President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, especially within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential partner in the continent’s development.
Nigeria and Saint Lucia share ties through membership in international organisations such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, and they have a common heritage rooted in African ancestry.
“The visit is expected to open new pathways for infrastructure development, educational cooperation, youth empowerment, and diplomatic exchange.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, the President will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7, 2025.
President Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on the strength of Nigeria’s status as a ‘partner country’- a membership category short of full status.
The Partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past. South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are African members of BRICS.
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.
Senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on both visits.
BusinessDay NG
St Lucia announces Itinerary for Nigerian President’s visit
Saint Lucia is making final preparations to welcome Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an official state visit from June 28 to July 4.
Janelle Modeste-Stephen, the permanent secretary in the ministry of external affairs, outlined the weeklong itinerary, which begins Monday, July 1, with a special joint sitting of the House of Assembly and the Senate.
According to St Lucia’s Daily Post the ceremonial session will take place at Sandals Grande, where both President Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre are expected to deliver addresses, along with remarks from the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.
Following this, OECS Heads of Government will participate in a high-level luncheon alongside President Tinubu, aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic cooperation with Nigeria.
On Monday evening, the president will be officially welcomed at a government-hosted reception at Government House, where he will address the gathering alongside Saint Lucia’s Governor General.
The following day, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where he will meet with students and staff, joined by Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education.
Later that evening, the Prime Minister will host a cocktail reception at his official residence. This event will offer members of Saint Lucia’s Nigerian community an opportunity to interact with President Tinubu and his delegation in a more informal setting.
On July 2 and 3, President Tinubu will spend private time with his delegation before his departure from George F. L. Charles Airport, with a subsequent transfer through Hewanorra International Airport.
Modeste-Stephen acknowledged that some disruptions are expected during the visit, particularly to road traffic.
Regarding airport operations, SLASPA and the Ministry of External Affairs have announced temporary closures at both of the island’s airports on June 28 due to security and logistical requirements. “Given the limited capacity of our airports, this is a necessary measure. The closures will only last an hour and may cause minor delays. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” she explained.
BusinessDay NG