Tinubu Urges Global African Diaspora to Unite for Shared Progress

In a powerful call to action, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Africans across the world including those in the diaspora, to unite, harness innovation, and build a future rooted in dignity, honour, and shared prosperity for the Black race.

Addressing a distinguished audience at a state dinner hosted in his honour by Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of transatlantic unity and the untapped power of the African diaspora.

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

The President’s remarks struck a resonant chord with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia many of whom have lived on the island for decades highlighting their contributions to the Caribbean nation’s growth and cultural fabric.

Declaring himself “unapologetically Afrocentric,” Tinubu praised the resilience and industriousness of Black people worldwide and underscored the importance of leveraging industrialisation and technology to uplift African and diaspora communities alike.

“One out of every five Black people is Nigerian. We must use our numbers, our innovation, and our heritage to make our people proudtoday, tomorrow, and thereafter,” he said.

In recognition of his leadership and efforts to bridge Africa-Caribbean relations, President Tinubu was conferred with the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) the island nation’s highest national honour.

Prime Minister Pierre applauded the deep cultural ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, highlighting the diaspora’s seamless integration. He pointed to the historical legacy of Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander, who rose to become Chief Justice of Nigeria between 1975 and 1979.

“This is a proud legacy of shared service. You may not know it, but Nigerians here are part of a historic relationship that binds our peoples across oceans,” Pierre stated.

President Tinubu’s state visit is being seen as a strategic move to realign Africa’s relationship with its diaspora, particularly in the Caribbean. With growing interest in Africa-Caribbean trade, education exchanges, climate partnerships, and shared cultural festivals, Tinubu’s message underscores a shift from symbolic unity to actionable cooperation.

For diaspora Nigerians, particularly those building lives in the Americas and the Caribbean, the speech serves as a reminder of their strategic role in the global Black renaissance.