King Charles III has said Nigerians have become central to life in the United Kingdom, highlighting their growing influence across key sectors of the British society.
The monarch stated this on Wednesday at a state banquet held in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who are on a state visit to the UK. The monarch described Nigerians and Britons with strong ties to Nigeria as a “living bridge” connecting the two nations.
“Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations,” he said.
According to King Charles, the state visit is a chance to commemorate Nigeria’s and the UK’s common bond, which benefits both nations socially, economically, and culturally.
“The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits,” he said.
“It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques – a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future’, he added.
The king also highlighted Nigeria’s cultural influence, saying, “So much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria, from Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts.”
He also considered the decades-long contributions Nigerians have made to the UK, especially in the areas of public service, healthcare, and education.
“Over the past fifty years, my King’s Trust has helped countless young people flourish, and I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service, and universities,” he remarked.
King Charles went furthet to recall a recent cultural event with a hint of lighthearted diplomacy:
“Just last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace.” I was told unequivocally that the Jollof was only the best — Nigerian, of course, or possibly Senegalese or Ghanaian. Diplomatically, I don’t recall!
“But who could have imagined that, when I first visited Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom,” he remarked, reflecting on his personal connections to the country.”
King Charles emphasized the value of long-term cooperation and mutual investment.
He stated, “The state visit is an opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s.”
