King Celebrates Nigerian Influence at Banquet Honoring President Tinubu and First Lady
The King paid tribute to people of Nigerian heritage during a state banquet for President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu. The visit is a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
Tribute to Nigerian contribution
The monarch praised the Nigerian influence across British life. He said Nigerians excel in business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, the arts and public service.
He spoke of “quiet heroes” in schools, businesses, the NHS and universities. The King also highlighted Afrobeats and Nollywood as cultural influences.
Ceremony and welcome
The president and first lady were welcomed in Windsor by the King, the Queen and senior royals. The Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince Edward were among the guests.
There was a guard of honour and a carriage ride in bright spring sunshine. Nigerian and Union flags lined Berkshire streets for the first state visit by a Nigerian head of state in 37 years.
Banquet details and customs
Guests dined on a menu featuring quail egg tartlet, fillet of turbot, lobster mousse wrapped in spinach, and iced blackcurrant souffle. A mocktail called Crimson Bloom was served, incorporating the West African beverage zobo.
President Tinubu observed his faith by toasting with a soft drink. The King wished him “Ramadan Mubarak” to mark the end of the Islamic holy month. Alcohol remained available for other guests.
Meetings and outreach
The royal party later viewed items from the royal collection. They met organisations promoting interfaith dialogue at The Vicars’ Hall.
Representatives from the Mosaic programme, set up by The King’s Trust, attended the event. Mosaic brings together Muslim leaders from diverse ethnic and theological backgrounds for leadership training.
Context and remarks
The King said Nigeria had “arrived” and was transforming at a remarkable pace. He last visited Nigeria in 2018, and the country has a population of about 230 million people.
- The King celebrates Nigerian influence in culture and public life.
- The banquet honoured President Tinubu and the First Lady during their two-day visit.
- Windsor ceremonies included a guard of honour and carriage procession.
For more coverage of the visit, Filmogaz.com will provide updates and analysis. Journalists on the ground reported details of the programme and official remarks.
