I’m unapologetically Afrocentric in my belief – Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has urged Africans and people of African descent worldwide to unite and collaborate in building a future defined by “promise, honour, and dignity for the Black race.”

Speaking at a dinner reception hosted by Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in Castries on Tuesday night, Tinubu emphasized the role of technology and innovation in driving social progress for African communities globally.

The event, attended by members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, some of whom have resided on the island for over three decades, highlighted the deep ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

Tinubu addressed the gathering, reflecting on the shared history and potential for collective advancement.

“It’s not the fault of our forebears that we find ourselves dispersed. We can work together, be together, enjoy what we have, and build a future of promise, honour, and dignity for the Black race,” he said.

“I’m unapologetically Afrocentric in my belief. I’ve travelled far and wide, and no one is as industrious, determined and focused as the Black people worldwide.”

Tinubu underscored the importance of collective effort in overcoming challenges and improving lives.

“The challenge is ours, and we meet those challenges as we strive to give our kith and kin a better life,” he stated.

Noting Nigeria’s significant demographic presence, he added, “All I can promise you, as a man from the largest Black nation in the world, is that we will work hard. One out of every five Black nationals is a Nigerian.”

He further encouraged leveraging industrialization and technology to foster progress.

“Industrialisation and technology are making life easier, and we have to work together to make our people proud today, tomorrow and thereafter,” Tinubu said.

Prime Minister Pierre, in his remarks, congratulated Tinubu on receiving the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) during his state visit, calling it a fitting tribute to his leadership.

“This honour is very well deserved. This honour is reserved for someone who has rendered exceptional service of national importance to St. Lucia,” Pierre said.

“Our engagement with you over the past few days convinced us you deserve that honour. May you cherish it as much as we cherish your presence, and may it bring you fond memories of your historic visit to St. Lucia, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS as a whole.”

Pierre also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, noting their seamless integration.

“You have been living with us for many years. Many of you have chosen to make St. Lucia your permanent home, raising your families, working, and making a quiet contribution to our country’s development,” he said.

“As far as I’m aware, your integration into St. Lucia society has been seamless because of the cultural affinities shared between Nigerians and St. Lucia. You know and feel you are at home here in St. Lucia.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the historical connection between the two nations, citing the legacy of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.

“We keep repeating that story because we are proud of it, because the story must be told and passed on to succeeding generations,” Pierre said.

“The story of a young St. Lucia who was invited to come to Nigeria by the premier of the then Western region to help in the development of the country in 1957 and who, by his competence, dedication, hard work and integrity, rose through the ranks of the judicial service to become the fourth Chief Justice of Nigeria between 1975 and 1979.”

Pierre noted that Alexander was born in Soufriere, near Castries, and acknowledged the presence of Soufriere’s parliamentary representative,