President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living in Saint Lucia to continue being law-abiding and responsible ambassadors of their country, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns through diplomatic channels.
For the second consecutive day, President Tinubu engaged with the Nigerian community in the Caribbean nation during his state visit. After meeting with them on Tuesday at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, he held another interactive session on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort, where he is staying.
The meetings were facilitated by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who praised the Nigerians for their contributions to Saint Lucia’s development and expressed hope that they remain connected to their homeland. She also commended President Tinubu for making time to meet with the diaspora.
Speaking at the event, Smart Okeudili Duah, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), highlighted the high cost of work permits—$2,500 annually—as a major challenge and urged the Nigerian government to establish a diplomatic presence in the country. President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s intention to set up a mission in Saint Lucia to support Nigerians living there.
Also speaking, Father Festus Iwuagwu, a resident priest, said the strong turnout for the meeting reflected the respect and admiration Nigerians in Saint Lucia have for the President.
Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician who migrated to the island with her husband nearly two decades ago, thanked the President for his visit. She shared her family’s journey, including how her husband returned to Nigeria and now serves as Chief Medical Director at a federal medical centre. “Since your arrival, you have propagated Nigeria more than we ever imagined,” she told the President.
In his remarks, President Tinubu acknowledged the positive reports from Saint Lucian authorities about the Nigerian community. “My plea to you all is simple: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he advised.
Reflecting on his days as a student in the United States, President Tinubu stressed the importance of hard work, resilience, and focus. “Life is about working hard and being consistent,” he said. “For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed.”
He also spoke about the state of the Nigerian economy, highlighting efforts to stabilize it after inheriting what he described as a near-bankrupt situation. “Nigeria has recovered. We’ve made oil smuggling unattractive and stopped the reckless pursuit of forex at the Central Bank,” he noted.
While acknowledging that the nation’s per capita income remains low, President Tinubu reassured his audience that his administration is working diligently to improve it.
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture: a portrait of the President created by Doris, a talented Nigerian medical student and artist in Saint Lucia, was presented to him on behalf of the community.