President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians residing in Saint Lucia to remain law-abiding and continue being exemplary ambassadors of their home country.
The Nigerian leader made the appeal during an engagement with members of the Nigerian community on the second day of his official visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, hosted at the Windjammer Resort where the President is staying, followed an earlier meeting at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu acknowledged the positive feedback he received from Saint Lucian authorities regarding the conduct of Nigerians living in the country. “My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he said, stressing the importance of discipline and consistency.
Drawing from personal experience, Tinubu recalled his early days as a student in the United States, encouraging Nigerians in Saint Lucia especially professionals and students to stay focused and work hard. “Life is about working hard, being consistent. 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 added.
The President also touched on economic reforms underway back home, noting that his administration inherited a nearly bankrupt nation. “We have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered,” he stated. Tinubu highlighted efforts to curb oil smuggling and reduce reliance on foreign exchange speculation, asserting that the Central Bank was no longer “chasing forex papers.”
In response to issues raised by the diaspora community, Tinubu pledged to address them through diplomatic channels. A key concern presented by the Nigerian community was the high cost of work permits reportedly up to $2,500 per year. In his remarks, Smart Okeudili Duah, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), appealed for the establishment of a Nigerian diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia a commitment Tinubu has reportedly accepted.
Also in attendance was Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who organized the meeting and praised the contributions of Nigerians in the Caribbean nation.
Among those who expressed gratitude for the President’s visit was Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a Nigerian-trained paediatrician who relocated to Saint Lucia 19 years ago. Her family, including children now practicing as medical doctors, exemplify the professional success of the Nigerian diaspora. She noted that her husband has since returned to Nigeria to serve as a chief medical director of a federal medical centre.
During the event, President Tinubu was presented with a hand-drawn portrait by Doris, a medical student and visual artist residing in Saint Lucia.
Father Festus Iwuagwu, a Nigerian priest in Saint Lucia, commended the strong turnout at the meetings, describing it as a sign of the community’s respect for the President.
