Online Reporter
King Charles is hosting the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.
At the start of the two‑day visit, the leaders of Africa’s most populous nation — with a population three times that of the UK — were greeted by senior royals including Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The King and President Tinubu were set to deliver speeches last evening at the state banquet.
However, there will be no traditional lunch with the King at Windsor, as the president is a Muslim and is fasting for Ramadan.
In the warm spring sunshine, the president and first lady — dressed in traditional robes — were welcomed with the full ceremonial grandeur of a royal reception.
A carriage procession transported the Nigerian visitors into the quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where a military band, marching in precise symmetry, paraded on the chequered lawn.
There was a gun salute, national anthems were played, guards were inspected, and the Household Cavalry raised dust as they rode across the quadrangle, passing a viewing stand for the King, Queen and their guests.
President Tinubu and Mrs Tinubu had been met earlier by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before being escorted to formally meet the King and Queen.
Inside the castle, the royal hosts and their visitors viewed Nigerian items from the Royal Collection, including a Yoruba throne, sculptures, paintings and the manuscript of a poem by Sir Ben Okri.
Official gifts were exchanged. The president and Mrs Tinubu received hand‑crafted pottery, a silver photo frame containing a picture of the King and Queen, and a silver and enamel bowl.
In return, the King and Queen were given a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewellery box featuring portraits of significant Nigerian women.
State visits serve to strengthen relationships with international partners, and the Nigerian visit will focus on deepening business ties, including in financial services.
There are also strong personal and family links: more than 270 000 Nigerian‑born people live in the UK.
“This state visit is about turning a historic relationship into a modern economic partnership — transforming trust into opportunity,” said Nigeria’s government spokesman, Mohammed Idris.
“Nigeria’s economic reforms are unlocking the potential of Africa’s largest consumer market. The United Kingdom is a natural partner in what comes next.”
The UK’s Business and Trade Department noted that Nigeria’s Zenith Bank opened a branch in Manchester this week, creating new jobs.
Later, President Tinubu and his Christian wife will lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel.
The couple will also attend an interfaith event designed to build bridges between religious communities.
In the evening, speeches will be delivered in St George’s Hall during the opulent state banquet, where the menu typically reflects cuisines from both the visiting and host nations.
Today, Mrs Tinubu, an ordained pastor, is expected to preach at a service at Lambeth Palace and meet representatives of the Church of England. — BBC
