President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has underscored the enduring friendship and shared history between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the nations’ commitment to partnership, progress, and mutual respect.
Speaking at a state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, President Tinubu expressed his profound honour for being the first Nigerian leader to address the historic venue, which has symbolised continuity for nearly a millennium.
“Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores,” he said.
President Tinubu reflected on the influence of British democratic traditions, noting the impact of the Magna Carta, thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke, and literary figures including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s own democratic institutions, legal framework, and civil service structures draw inspiration from these historical foundations.
Highlighting the role of people-to-people connections, the President praised the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom for their contributions, particularly in healthcare through the National Health Service.
He also noted the impact of Nigerian athletes such as footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, rugby star Maro Itoje, and boxer Anthony Joshua in strengthening bilateral ties.
President Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability in West Africa, citing ongoing security challenges and the importance of continued partnership with the United Kingdom.
He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss collaborative efforts on these matters.
Reflecting on the past, the President expressed gratitude for the support provided to Nigerians during periods of military dictatorship, noting that he himself had found refuge and protection in the United Kingdom during his pro-democracy activism.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu invited guests to toast the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. “To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together,” he said.
The state banquet was attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and other distinguished members of the Royal Family, alongside Nigerian officials and dignitaries.
