*’I Was Assured Nigerian Jollof Is Best In Africa’
*Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance In Fight Against Terror
BRITISH monarch, King Charles III, has praised Nigeria’s rapid transformation into a global economic and cultural force and called for stronger bilateral cooperation between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria, especially in trade, security and the Commonwealth.
In his speech during a state banquet in honour of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, at Windsor Castle, on Wednesday, March 18, the British monarch said Nigeria “has not merely changed, but has arrived.”
Welcoming Tinubu in a blend of Nigerian languages, the King said, Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni and extended Ramadan goodwill to the President and Muslims.
He added: “My wife and I are delighted to welcome you. We are most grateful to you for travelling during this holy month… Ramadan Mubarak.”
King Charles recalled his 2018 visit to Nigeria and engagements with prominent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife and other revered monarchs, saying the country’s enduring warmth and accelerating development, adding that with a population of voer 230 million, half of whom are under 18, Nigeria is brimming with “energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve” to tackle global challenges.
Acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, who he described as central to British life and success across sectors, including healthcare, business, academia, law, technology, sports and the arts, he added: “We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage… are now at the heart of British life.” .
King Charles said he has encountered many Nigerians who are contributing significantly across key institutions in the country, recalling his recent hosting of a group of Nigerians at St James’s Palace.
“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last fifty years,” he said.
“Only 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 firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!”
He said Nigerian influence continues to shape British culture, from Afrobeats music and Nollywood films to Premier League football and the judiciary, describing the Diaspora as a “living bridge” of over half a million people connecting both countries.
He enthused that Nigeria was increasingly investing in the UK, just as Britain was deepening its investments in Nigeria, citing Nigerian banks operating from London, companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and UK-backed investments in Nigerian infrastructure, particularly ports.
He disclosed that Nigerian visitors spent £178million in the UK in 2024, while over 250,000 Britons travelled to Nigeria, reflecting robust two-way engagement, noting that in January this year, Nigeria emerged as UK’s largest export market in Africa.
While describing the relationship as a “partnership of equals,” the monarch acknowledged both the strengths and complexities of the shared history between the two countries, adding: “There are chapters in our shared history… that have left some painful marks.
“But history is not merely a record of what was done; it is a lesson in how we go forward together.”
He reaffirmed Britain’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat instability, particularly in northern parts of the country, even as he acknowledged Nigeria’s example of religious coexistence, noting a recent interfaith engagement at Windsor Castle as a reflection of shared values between Christian and Muslim communities.
King Charles said Nigeria is “an economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice,” with growing leadership role in a rapidly changing global order.
He commended Tinubu’s advocacy for expanded intra-Commonwealth trade, expressing optimism about the success of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the bloc’s future, aligning with Tinubu’s view that it remains a vital global alliance.
Raising a toast, the King declared: “To the President and people of Nigeria, Naija no dey carry last!”
On his part, Tinubu urged the UK to deepen its strategic partnership with Nigeria in confronting the growing threat of terrorism spreading from the Sahel, which poses a grave danger to West Africa and beyond.
The President called for stronger collaboration between both countries to dismantle terror networks operating across the Sahel, saying Nigeria was bearing a frontline responsibility in preserving regional stability.
He stressed that the complexity of the security challenges required coordinated international action, noting: “Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.
“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential.”
Tinubu said his engagement with Prime Minister Keir Starmer would further advance discussions on concrete areas of cooperation, particularly in security and intelligence-sharing.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, as resilient and forward-looking country, adding: “Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence.
“We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, young people dreaming big, entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and a hopeful population determined to realise its full potential.”
The President expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him, his wife and members of the Nigerian delegation, noting: “As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, this moment is particularly historic.”
Tinubu underscored the deep-rooted ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, anchored in shared history, democratic values and institutional frameworks, referencing the Magna Carta of 1215 as a foundational milestone in the evolution of constitutional governance, noting its enduring influence on democratic systems worldwide, including Nigeria’s.
Commending the Nigerian Diaspora in the UK, Tinubu said “while institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” describing Nigerians as one of the most dynamic communities contributing significantly to British society, citing the role of Nigerian doctors and nurses the UK’s health system and the National Health Service (NHS).
Tinubu also spotlighted Nigerians excelling in sports in the UK, citing Rugby star, Maro Itoje; footballers, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze; as well as world champion boxer, Anthony Joshua, as symbols of the enduring human connection between both nations.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the UK for offering refuge to pro-democracy activists during Nigeria’s years of military rule, especially under the late Gen. Sani Abacha regime.
He recalled his own experience while in exile and how his residence was placed under Metropolitan Police protection following threats from agents of the military junta, saying: “Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here.
“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory. It is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”
“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass, to the special bond between Nigeria and the UK, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”
