President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commended the achievements of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, spotlighting football stars Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, as well as boxing champion Anthony Joshua, during a state banquet at Windsor Castle with King Charles III.
Highlighting the contributions of Nigerians across various sectors, Tinubu said, “In sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
He emphasized the deep-rooted historical and cooperative ties between the two nations, describing it as “a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.”
Tinubu thanked the monarch and the Royal Family for their hospitality, saying, “Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen, for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.”
He also highlighted Nigerians’ impact in healthcare and other sectors in the UK and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen.
“Your Majesty, I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow,” he said, while also acknowledging the support Nigeria received during its years of military rule.
Concluding his remarks, Tinubu said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.”
