Photo Shows Moment Nigerian Student in Saint Lucia Meets Tinubu, “Unforgettable”

For 26-year-old Bob Chikwem Amadi, a medical student from Rivers State living in Saint Lucia, life took an unexpected and unforgettable turn when he came face-to-face with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

According to a NewsVista reporter, the meeting happened during President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the Caribbean island, a trip that has drawn both praise and scrutiny in equal measure. But for Amadi, the moment was deeply personal — and nothing short of inspiring.

The Nigerian student, currently enrolled at the American International University in Saint Lucia, had been working part-time as a talent and brand manager for a local catering and entertainment company. That very company had been contracted to provide services during Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Saint Lucian Prime Minister’s residence.

As fate would have it, Prime Minister Pierre learned that one of the staffers present was a Nigerian student. Without hesitation, he introduced Amadi to President Tinubu. What followed was a brief yet warm exchange. Tinubu paused, asked for the young man’s name, and inquired about his background and well-being. The president also extended his best wishes for Amadi’s ongoing studies and life abroad.

Amadi later joined both leaders for a group photograph — a moment he described as the highlight of his life abroad so far. “This is an inspiring moment for me,” he said. “Saint Lucia is an amazing island. I would describe it as a wonderful place. The people here are contented, and life is relatively calm.”

Amadi also reflected on the deep cultural and historical connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, noting that both nations share similar foods, crops, and values — ties that he believes can open up untapped opportunities in the future.

The medical student has lived in Saint Lucia for the past 10 years. He has already completed a four-year basic programme in medicine and is currently preparing to begin the clinical phase of his training. His journey, though marked by distance from home, reached a full-circle moment in the presence of his country’s leader — even if only briefly.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian presidency has defended Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia amid growing criticism. Some online commentators, including opposition figure Peter Obi, questioned the timing and purpose of the president’s Caribbean engagement. But in a statement issued by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, the trip was described as a strategic diplomatic move focused on strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with its diaspora and exploring South-South cooperation.

While debates continue back home, for Amadi, the president’s visit delivered something priceless — a sense of pride, visibility, and motivation that will likely stay with him long after he dons his white coat.