By Abdul Lauya
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.
According to a press release by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the visit is aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations and strengthening South-South cooperation.
During his stop in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
A major highlight of the visit will be his address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet.
Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Nigerian nationals, diplomatic officials, and the OECS Director-General Dr Didacus Jules are expected at the joint session.
President Tinubu will also host a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders to discuss economic and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean region.
He will visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to foster educational partnerships and academic exchange.
Onanuga said the visit reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to engaging the African diaspora under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework.
He added that both nations are connected through international affiliations and a shared African ancestry.
The visit is projected to catalyse new collaborations in education, infrastructure, youth development, and diplomacy.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.
The Nigerian leader was invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as a ‘partner country’ participant, a step above guest status.
Nigeria joins other African nations, including South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia, in attending the summit.
Onanuga stated that the 2025 BRICS Summit will focus on strengthening Global South Cooperation for more inclusive and sustainable global governance.
He noted that discussions will address social, economic, and environmental development among BRICS and its partners.
Senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on both international engagements.
