By Bolaji Ogundele The Nation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the black race is not lazy but composed of honest and hardworking people who, when given the right opportunities, can excel and thrive globally.
He made this powerful assertion Monday night after receiving Saint Lucia鈥檚 highest national honour鈥擪night Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL)鈥攊n a moving ceremony that underscored shared ancestry, historical memory, and new bonds of partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
鈥淭he black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel. We believe life itself has given us what we need. We have no cause to regret, and we have every reason to celebrate life, opportunity, and excellence鈥, President Tinubu declared during his investiture at Government House, Morne Fortune.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President, who is on a state visit to the Caribbean nation, emphasized the industriousness of Nigerians and the broader African diaspora, noting that Nigerians are skilled in agriculture, trading, and democratic governance.
He called for deeper ties between Africa and the Caribbean as a vehicle to unlock the latent potential of black communities globally.
鈥淚 come from a country where the people are incredibly hardworking and democratic in every aspect. We must resume cultural exchanges and believe in economic development as a shared responsibility鈥, Tinubu added.
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The symbolic conferral of the KCOSL, performed by Saint Lucia鈥檚 Governor-General, Sir Errol Charles, not only elevated President Tinubu to the status of knighthood but also served as a moment of profound reflection on the transatlantic heritage that links Saint Lucia and Nigeria.
鈥淲ith this investiture, the Nigerian leader will now be known as Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.). It is a gesture that acknowledges his leadership on the African continent and his continuing efforts to reconnect Africa and the Caribbean鈥, said the Governor-General.
According to Sir Errol Charles, the national honour also recognises President Tinubu鈥檚 commitment to building cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, healthcare, education, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
President Tinubu, visibly moved by the occasion, described the recognition as 鈥渢hrilling and exciting,鈥 adding that he came to Saint Lucia as a president but was 鈥渓eaving as a knight.鈥
鈥淚 am here as one of you, representing that historical journey taken by our forebears. The history we cannot reverse, but we are prepared for progressive understanding,鈥 Tinubu said.
Addressing Saint Lucia鈥檚 Parliament earlier in the day, the Nigerian leader had pledged to initiate economic and cultural projects to reconnect the peoples of Africa and the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States), saying, 鈥淚 made some promises to enhance our connectivity and business opportunities, foster creativity in our future together, and help us overcome the legacy of our forebears鈥 years of separation.鈥
The investiture ceremony, rich in symbolism and steeped in history, resonated strongly with Saint Lucia鈥檚 leadership.
Governor-General Charles noted, 鈥淭oday is a historic occasion for us, particularly for our many Saint Lucian brothers and sisters whose ancestors were rudely torn from their tribal homelands in Africa and deposited on these shores centuries ago. Deeper than the bonds of friendship is that deep kindred spirit transplanted generations ago.鈥
The Saint Lucian Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, lauded President Tinubu鈥檚 visit and the honour as a catalyst for a stronger Pan-African-Caribbean alliance.
鈥淔or Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it. We want to develop it and ensure that the people of these two regions get closer together,鈥 he said.
Calling Africa and the Caribbean 鈥渏ust eight hours apart,鈥 Prime Minister Pierre expressed a firm belief in the potential of renewed people-to-people ties.
鈥淲e must enjoy the fruits of what Africa has produced,鈥 he affirmed, adding, 鈥淎frica and the region can be one and must be one.鈥
President Tinubu鈥檚 visit, which has included diplomatic meetings, cultural engagements, and a landmark address to the Saint Lucian Parliament, marks a high point in what observers see as a new phase of South-South cooperation rooted in historical reconnection and future collaboration.
With the KCOSL insignia adorning his chest, President Tinubu walked into Saint Lucian history as one of the first African Head of State to receive the island鈥檚 highest national honour鈥攁 moment that both celebrated the legacy of shared resilience and renewed the promise of global black excellence.