Your Majesty, King Charles III,
Queen Camilla,
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria, as we celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship, shared history, and common purpose that have connected our nations for centuries.
Allow me first to express my heartfelt gratitude to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen, for the warm welcome extended to me, my wife Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.
As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle—a place that has stood as a symbol of continuity for nearly a millennium—this moment is historic. Windsor has witnessed the evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life, not just in Britain, but far beyond.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom share more than history; we share a vision for progress, resilience, and partnership. Standing here today, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s profound influence on modern democratic governance. The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the foundations for the rule of law, accountable government, and civic responsibility—principles that continue to resonate globally.
The ideas of thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke, along with the literary genius of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, have enriched societies far beyond these shores. In Nigeria, these traditions inform the foundations of our republic: our courts draw on English common law, our parliamentary structures echo constitutional practices developed here, and our civil service has adapted administrative models originating in Britain to serve our nation.
Yet, while institutions matter, it is people who form the strongest bridge between our countries. The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom is among the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute immensely to British society, from delivering vital services in the National Health Service to excelling in sport and the arts. Figures such as rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua illustrate the deep human connection linking Nigeria and the UK.
Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, uniting 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership. As one of the largest members, Nigeria remains committed to contributing to the growth and vitality of this global community.
At the same time, Nigeria faces complex security challenges, particularly terrorism with roots in the Sahel. Our nation bears a responsibility to safeguard regional stability, and our partnership with the United Kingdom is essential in addressing these threats. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow to further strengthen our collaboration.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria looks to the future with hope. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young dreamers, innovative entrepreneurs, and a resilient citizenry determined to achieve our full potential. I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to flourish.
Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deepest gratitude for the refuge and support extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians fighting for democracy, I found safety here, and I remember my residence being placed under Metropolitan Police protection due to threats from the junta. That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling to stand here today as President of a democratic Nigeria.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William, Catherine, and all members of the Royal Family, as well as the people of the United Kingdom, for your longstanding friendship.
In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you to raise a glass with me:
To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future we will build together.
God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom. Thank you.
