By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Saturday for an official visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil, marking a two-nation diplomatic tour.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the president Special Adviser on Information and Strategy on Friday.
According to the statement, the trip is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and countries in the Global South.
“The visit is expected to open new pathways for infrastructure development, educational cooperation, youth empowerment, and diplomatic exchange,” the statement read.
The first stop of the President’s journey is the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, where he is paying a state visit.
“While in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will hold talks with key government officials, including the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and the Prime Minister, Philip Pierre,” the statement read.
The statement revealed that the key moment during the visit will be when President Tinubu addresses a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia.
“The event will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
“Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia have all been invited to attend,” the statement read.
After the joint session, President Tinubu will host a high-level luncheon with the OECS leaders to discuss ways to deepen economic and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
President Tinubu is also expected to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic exchange and partnerships in education.
The presidency noted that the visit is part of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen relations with Caribbean nations under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework which recognises the African diaspora as an important partner in Africa’s growth.
Following the Saint Lucia trip, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for July 6–7, 2025.
“President Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on the strength of Nigeria’s status as a ‘partner country’- a membership category short of full status.
“The Partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past. South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are African members of BRICS.
“The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
Senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on both visits.