President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday depart Abuja for a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.

This is contained in a statement  by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Onanuga said that Mr Tinubu’s first stop will be Saint Lucia for a state visit aimed at strengthening ties with Caribbean nations and enhancing South-South cooperation.

Following the visit, the president will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Mr ‎Onanuga said that while in Saint Lucia, Mr Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

‎He said a major highlight of the visit will be his address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly.

Mr Onanuga said that Mr Tinubu will also attend a high-level working luncheon with the heads of government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The luncheon will explore ways to deepen Nigeria-OECS cooperation in economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.

He is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to boost educational exchange and academic collaboration.

‎Nigeria and Saint Lucia maintain ties through the UN and Commonwealth, sharing African heritage and mutual interests.

The visit aims to unlock opportunities in infrastructure, education, youth development, and diplomatic cooperation.

Mr ‎Onanuga said that after his engagements in Saint Lucia, Tinubu will head to Brazil for the BRICS Summit from July 6 to 7.

He will attend at the invitation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, recognising Nigeria as a BRICS ‘partner country.’

The 17th BRICS Summit has as its theme:  “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

Discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in social, economic, and environmental development across the Global South.

Mr Onanuga said that senior government officials will accompany Mr Tinubu on both visits. 

(NAN)