A Nigerian medical student, Bob Chikwem Amadi, had the rare opportunity to meet President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre during President Tinubu’s official visit to Saint Lucia.
Amadi, a student at the American International University in Saint Lucia, encountered the two leaders during a courtesy visit to the official residence of the Saint Lucian Prime Minister. He was part of the service staff hired by a local catering and entertainment company for the event, according to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Prime Minister Pierre informed President Tinubu that one of the catering staff members, Amadi, was a Nigerian studying in the Caribbean nation. Amadi, originally from Rivers State, was introduced to President Tinubu, who inquired about his background and current studies. The President also extended words of encouragement before inviting Amadi to join both leaders for a group photograph.
Reflecting on the experience, Amadi expressed his gratitude, describing it as a moment he would remember. “Saint Lucia is a very calm place. The people seem content, and it’s been a good environment to study,” he said.
Amadi, who has lived in Saint Lucia for a decade, recently completed the basic phase of his medical education and is now preparing for clinical training. He also spoke about the potential for stronger ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, highlighting similarities in agriculture and culture between the two nations.
President Tinubu’s state visit forms part of a larger diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s relations with countries in the Caribbean and South America.