By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
ENDURING TIES between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) took were highlighted at Windsor Castle as President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed a shared history and future built on partnership, mutual respect, and common values.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the President expressed appreciation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the warmth extended to him, his wife, Senator Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation, describing the occasion as a profound honour while representing the people of Nigeria.
Speaking as the first Nigerian leader in 37 years to address an audience at Windsor Castle, President Tinubu described the moment as historic, noting that the castle has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium and has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the evolution of institutions that shaped governance, culture, and public life.
He said Nigeria and the UK share more than history, adding that both nations remain committed to building a future rooted in partnership and resilience.
Reflecting on Britain’s influence on governance, he cited the Magna Carta of 1215 as laying foundations for the rule of law and parliamentary democracy, establishing ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.
He also referenced thinkers including Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke, stating that their ideas helped propagate democratic principles that continue to resonate.
President Tinubu added that writers such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens enriched the English language, now spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
He also noted that elements of these traditions inform Nigeria’s institutional foundations, stating that courts draw on English common law, parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices developed over centuries, and civil service structures have adapted administrative models from Britain to Nigeria’s context.
Highlighting people as the strongest link between both countries, he said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora groups globally.
He stated that Nigerians contribute significantly to the nation’s vitality, with doctors and nurses playing indispensable roles in the National Health Service and forming one of the largest groups of international medical professionals.
He also pointed to sporting figures including Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua as examples of the human connection linking both countries.
He said the partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries, adding that Nigeria looks forward to contributing to its continued growth and vitality.
Addressing regional security, President Tinubu said West Africa faces complex terrorism challenges rooted in the Sahel and noted Nigeria’s responsibility in safeguarding regional stability. He said partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and expressed anticipation for a meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
He adds that Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence, describing the country as a nation of diverse and vibrant people, with young people dreaming big and entrepreneurs with a global outlook.
ALSO, JKNewsMedia.com reports that President Tinubu expressed confidence that the friendship between both nations will continue to grow and conveyed gratitude for the refuge and support provided by the UK during years of military dictatorship.
He recalled finding safety in the country and noted that his residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.
He said the solidarity remains etched in collective memory and described it as deeply humbling to stand before the monarch as President of a democratic Nigeria.
He thanked the King, the Queen, Prince William, Catherine, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.
He concluded by inviting guests to raise a glass to the bond between Nigeria and the UK and to a shared future.
