Tiwa Savage, Eniloa Aluko, Christine Ohuruogu, Sir Ben Okri lead presidential entourage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu began Nigeria’s first official state visit to the United Kingdom in nearly four decades.

Senior royals, led by the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were on hand to deliver an official welcome.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, confirmed that the royal greeting took place at the Fairmont Hotel. Prince William and Princess Catherine officially welcomed President Tinubu and the First Lady.

Following their arrival at London’s Stansted Airport on Tuesday, President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu were greeted with the full grandeur of a royal reception.
The historic proceedings at Windsor Castle featured a traditional carriage procession and a formal military parade.

According to reports, both the King and President Tinubu are scheduled to deliver speeches at a state banquet later this evening. The event is expected to host political leaders and celebrities with strong ties to Nigeria.

The evening’s program also features an exchange of gifts and a special display of Nigerian items held in the Royal Collection.

According to the Nigerian Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, this meeting is about “turning a historic relationship into a modern economic partnership – transforming trust into opportunity.”

“Nigeria’s economic reforms are unlocking the potential of Africa’s largest consumer market. The United Kingdom is a natural partner in what comes next.

“This visit marks the next step in deepening cooperation across trade, finance and defence,” he stated.

The President has visited Britain several times since taking office, but this is his first state visit and the first by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

The last time a Nigerian leader was accorded the full honors of a state visit to the UK was in 1989, during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. For 37 years, while the two countries maintained trade and diplomatic ties, the grand traditions of an official state visit had not happened for a long time.

Notable Nigerians include author Sir Ben Okri, artist Yinka Shonibare, footballer Eniloa Aluko, singer Tiwa Savage, presenter Ade Adepitan, athlete Christine Ohuruogu and Diana Awards chief Tessie Ojo.

Adjustments had been made for those guests who are Muslim and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, including setting aside an area for prayer and Iftar. Indeed, for the first time in living memory, the royal household was serving canapés at the pre-banquet reception for guests to break their fast, mindful of the fact that, after the speeches, people would not be eating until 9pm.

Green and white Nigerian flags lined the streets, alongside Union flags, and an oversized Royal Standard flew from the top of the Round Tower.  The Prince and Princess of Wales first met the couple at luxury spa hotel Fairmont Windsor Park, before escorting them by car to Windsor town centre to formally meet the King and Queen.

The King and Queen then arrived at the Royal Dais in central Windsor, near the castle. Charles and Camilla were met with the national anthem, played by a military band.  The King, Camilla, William, Kate and Mr and Mrs Tinubu then travelled in a carriage procession in a show of traditional pomp and pageantry through Windsor to the castle’s quadrangle to see the Guard of Honour for the ceremonial welcome.