King Charles III hosted President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at a state banquet in Windsor Castle on Wednesday, as part of the Nigerian President’s two-day visit to the United Kingdom. The event aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and celebrate the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Speaking in St George’s Hall, the British monarch praised Nigeria’s growth and impact, highlighting the country’s people, culture, and global influence. Closing his speech with Nigerian Pidgin, he toasted, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” to laughter and applause from the guests.
Highlights from King Charles’ speech included:
Nigeria Has Arrived: Reflecting on his previous visits, the King described Nigeria as a nation of over 230 million people, full of “energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve” to tackle global challenges.
Cultural Influence: He celebrated Nigerian contributions to British life, from Afrobeats in concert halls to Nollywood on screens, and Nigerian stars excelling in the Premier League and UK courts.
Interfaith Example: King Charles praised Nigeria’s model of peaceful coexistence among faiths and referenced its support for Quick Reaction Forces and aid in Northern Nigeria.
Acknowledging History: He addressed the painful legacy of colonialism, emphasizing learning from history to build a stronger future.
Jollof Rice Diplomacy: Sharing a light moment, he recounted hosting a “Jollof and Tea” party for young Nigerians at St. James’s Palace, diplomatically noting the eternal debate over the best Jollof rice.
Economic Ties: Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa in January 2026, with mutual tourism spending reaching £178 million in 2024. The King highlighted growing investments, Nigerian banks in London, and tech partnerships.
Commonwealth Wisdom: Quoting Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo proverbs, he endorsed expanding intra-Commonwealth trade and recognized Nigeria’s central role.
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Partnership of Equals: He described UK-Nigeria relations as a “partnership of equals” with deep spiritual and cultural bonds, strengthening security, prosperity, and shared hope.
Living Bridge of Nigerians: King Charles celebrated the over half a million Nigerians in the UK, calling them a “living bridge” enriching British society across multiple sectors.
Pidgin Finale: The speech ended on a joyful note with the King exclaiming, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” celebrating Nigeria’s enduring spirit and influence.
The banquet highlighted the deep ties between Nigeria and the UK, blending diplomacy, culture, and shared values in a historic royal setting.
