President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honoured with the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), the highest national award of Saint Lucia.
The prestigious title was conferred in recognition of President Tinubu’s role in promoting stronger historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The honour was formally presented by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Errol Charles, during an official ceremony held Monday night at Government House, Morne Fortune.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the development in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja.
With this recognition, President Tinubu is now entitled to the title “Sir,” becoming “Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the government and people of Saint Lucia for the gesture, describing the honour as a symbol of deepening ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, as well as with the wider Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
“I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” Tinubu said. “This honour reflects the journey of our ancestors—a history we cannot change, but one we can build upon through unity and progress.”
He praised the hospitality of the Saint Lucian people, calling the experience both “thrilling and exciting,” and pledged to work toward stronger cooperation between the African and Caribbean regions.
Highlighting the resilience and strength of the Black race, Tinubu said, “We are not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can achieve greatness.”
Governor-General Charles said the honour reflected President Tinubu’s leadership on the continent and his continued commitment to fostering unity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, also hailed the gesture, noting that Africa remains a vital part of the Caribbean’s identity. “For Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it. We want to develop it and bring our people closer together,” he said.
