President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been awarded an honorary knighthood by the government of Saint Lucia—the nation’s highest national honour.
The Nigerian leader, currently on an official state visit to Saint Lucia, received the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The honour was formally approved by the Governor General of Saint Lucia, based on the recommendation of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the recognition, saying:
“The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Following the formal investiture, President Tinubu will officially bear the title: H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), in addition to his existing national titles.
The award comes as part of President Tinubu’s diplomatic tour to Saint Lucia and Brazil, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ties with countries across the Global South. According to his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Governor General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles.
One of the key moments of his visit was his address to a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly. The speech took place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom at Sandals Grande in Gros Islet, where Tinubu announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. He described the new partnership as a “symbolic bridge” to foster deeper bilateral ties.
President Tinubu also proposed the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to provide a structured platform for cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
