President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCSL), the country’s highest national honour, during his state visit to the Caribbean nation on July 1, 2025.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, President Tinubu declared: “The black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel in all spheres of human endeavour.” His remarks were met with applause, as he urged the global community to discard lingering stereotypes about Africans and people of African descent.
The ceremony, presided over by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Sir Errol Charles, was a symbolic moment that highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Tinubu called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Caribbean nations, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, emphasizing that such partnerships could unlock the vast potential of black communities across the world.
President Tinubu’s knighthood and his stirring defence of the black race marked a diplomatic and symbolic milestone, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in fostering unity and shared prosperity among nations with African heritage.
