By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Saint Lucia for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit.
This comes after Tinubu embarked on a two-nation tour on June 28.
While in Brazil, Tinubu is expected to participate in the BRICS Summit from July 6-7, 2025, on the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The summit, with the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” is primed to focus on expanding collaboration in social, economic, and environmental development.
Tinubu is one of the four African leaders attending the 17th BRICS summit.
Others expected at the Summit include Leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
Recall that while in Saint Lucia, Tinubu had engaged in bilateral discussions with key officials, including Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
One of the highlights of the visit was his address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, on June 30.
Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia also included a high-level meeting with leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), where discussions focused on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.
Tinubu was also conferred the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.O.S.L.).