Tinubu in Saint Lucia (see pix)

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, Saturday evening for the first leg of his two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America.
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‎This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
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According Onanuga, ‎upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, the President was accorded full military honours and received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
He said the President will officially begin his state visit Sunday with courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
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“‎On Monday, he will address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly.
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‎”The address will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, in Gros Islet,” he said
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‎The president’s spokesperson said the event will be attended by Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and top Saint Lucian officials.
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‎Other attendees will include members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
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‎He said, following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders.
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‎The discussions will focus on strengthening ties between Nigeria and the OECS, particularly in economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
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‎The Nigerian leader is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries.
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‎The visit aims to promote academic collaboration and reinforce educational links between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
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‎The President’s visit reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations.
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‎After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit.
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‎The summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to July 7.
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‎The Nigerian leader is attending the BRICS summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, in recognition of Nigeria’s role as a ‘partner country’.
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‎The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.
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‎Discussions will prioritise two key areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.