The British monarch, King Charles III, has stated that Nigeria exemplifies how individuals from diverse religious backgrounds can coexist peacefully and work collaboratively towards shared objectives. Speaking on Wednesday evening in London at a state banquet held for the visiting Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, the King referenced an earlier event that day.
He noted, "You and I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities." He further elaborated, "The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose. It was also a timely reminder of the importance of standing with you – and in us strengthening your Quick Reaction Forces, or in providing food, nutrition and protection services in Northern Nigeria – when challenges disturb the age-old balance between these communities."
King Charles III also informed President Tinubu that Nigeria stands as an economic powerhouse, a cultural influencer, and a vital diplomatic voice from a continent that is increasingly asserting its importance globally.
He remarked, "In a vastly interconnected global environment, one that is changing at unimaginable speed, that leadership brings responsibility – and opportunity. I heed the Yoruba wisdom – and forgive me if I say it in English… that ‘rain does not fall on one roof alone’. As you observed so astutely before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024, ‘if we didn’t have this global alliance… of fifty-six member states, 2.7 billion people and a combined G.D.P. forecast soon to surpass twenty trillion U.S. dollars… there would be a need to create one’. I believe firmly that, when rain clouds gather, we can tighten the grip of friendship between us and, in so doing, reinforce the central role of the Commonwealth in our shared future."
The monarch also highlighted the robust economic ties that connect Britain and Nigeria, emphasizing their mutual investments. He stated, "Your visit has provided the opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s – leading Nigerian banks have chosen the City of London as a global base, examples of the best Nigerian companies have listed on London’s Stock Exchange, and U.K. Export Finance is supporting investment in Nigeria’s ports."
He added, "In education, British schools and universities are opening their doors in Nigeria, and British and Nigerian technology companies are forming ever closer partnerships. I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return. In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour…"
"The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. 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."
"The many dynamic connections between our two nations have deep roots and yet I do not pretend that those roots are without a shadow. There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can. But I do believe, as I know you believe, Mr President, that history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in hope and growth for all, and worthy of those who bore the pains of the past."
In his full speech, King Charles III expressed delight at welcoming President Tinubu and his wife, acknowledging the sacrifice of travelling during the holy month of Ramadan. He conveyed Ramadan Mubarak.
He recalled his 2018 visit to Nigeria, noting the country's rapid transformation into a nation of over 230 million people, characterized by energy, ingenuity, and ambition.
The King highlighted the significant contributions of Nigerians in Britain across various sectors, including business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, arts, and public service. He mentioned meeting young people who have benefited from his King's Trust and a lively 'Jollof and Tea' party.
Reflecting on his first visit to Nigeria 36 years prior, he noted the profound impact of individuals of Nigerian heritage on British culture, from Afrobeats and Nollywood to the Premier League and high courts. He described the over half a million people connecting the UK and Nigeria as a "living bridge" enriching cultures, strengthening security, and boosting economies.
He reiterated that the UK and Nigeria are mutually investing in each other's futures, citing Nigerian banks establishing bases in London, Nigerian companies listing on the London Stock Exchange, and UK Export Finance supporting Nigerian ports. He also pointed to expanding educational and technological partnerships.
Citing statistics, he mentioned that Nigerian visitors spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, while 251,000 Britons travelled to Nigeria, spending a similar amount. Nigeria has become the UK's largest African export market in January of the current year.
He described the friendship between the two nations as a partnership of equals fostering spiritual connection, strengthening security, prosperity, and a hopeful future.
Acknowledging historical shadows, he stated that while words cannot erase painful past marks, history serves as a lesson for moving forward together towards a future of hope and growth.
Referring to the meeting with Christian and Muslim leaders, King Charles III underscored Nigeria's example of interfaith harmony and the importance of supporting communities when balance is disturbed.
He characterized Nigeria as an economic powerhouse, cultural force, and influential diplomatic voice, emphasizing the responsibility and opportunity that come with global leadership.
Quoting Yoruba wisdom, "rain does not fall on one roof alone," and President Tinubu's observation about the Commonwealth alliance, he stressed the importance of tightening friendship in challenging times to reinforce the Commonwealth's role.
He cited Hausa wisdom, "when the music changes, so does the dance," suggesting the need to adapt and learn new steps together, leveraging common languages, legal systems, cultural ties, and spiritual connections.
He supported President Tinubu's views on expanding intra-Commonwealth trade through shared standards and removing investment barriers, as exemplified by the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
He expressed hope that the Commonwealth's time has come and pledged continued support for Nigeria's role within it, reinforcing the belief that the future is best built together.
Quoting Igbo wisdom, "Knowledge is never complete, two heads are better than one," he closed by wishing Muslims in both nations Eid Mubarak in anticipation of Eid El-Fitr.
He concluded with a toast, "To the President and people of Nigeria – Naija No Dey Carry Last!"
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