The Saint Lucian government has awarded President Bola Tinubu the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), the country’s highest distinction.

“The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the country revealed in a post on X.

Tinubu landed in Saint Lucia on Saturday as part of a diplomatic visit to two nations in the Caribbean and South America.

He had earlier addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian senate and house of assembly.

During his address, Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity among Africans and those of African descent, stressing their common future.

“My visit to Saint Lucia is in keeping with the ideal of building the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and creating a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual cooperation. It also reflects our desire as a people to advance prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthen familial bonds,” he said.

“Nigeria and the island of Saint Lucia are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. Our administration is determined to nurture and expand bilateral relations on trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, as well as improve consular services for the citizens of both our nations.”

The Saint Lucian government has also announced plans to formalise diplomatic relations with Nigeria, aiming to build a structured platform to deepen collaboration in various mutually beneficial sectors.

“Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states,” the government stated.

“Nigeria will provide scholarships to citizens of OECS member countries and extend the services of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS countries.”

Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have launched a large-scale protest following the decision to rename the institution to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Gathering in significant numbers, the students closed off the main gate at the South Campus along with other entrances to express their disapproval of the development.

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde had earlier declared during a brief speech at the interdenominational commendation service for the late former governor at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, that the institution would now be known as “Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”

Previously, the students, through a statement issued by the Student Union Government President, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide, voiced their opposition, calling the renaming “unjustifiable and degrading.”

The protest has caused a major traffic disruption on the busy Sango-Eleyele Road in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, leaving many commuters stranded.

In a statement signed by the Executive Chairman, Maj. Adekoya RTd, the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency advised road users to take alternate routes until the “temporary” road closure is resolved.

According to the release: “The general public are hereby informed of an ongoing student protest at The Polytechnic Ibadan, main Gate, the road in front of the school gate has been temporarily blocked.

“Motorists heading towards Eleyele, Apete, Ijokodo, and nearby areas axis from Sango and vice visa are advised to take alternative routes through Dugbe, Mokola or Ajibode to avoid delays and unnecessary confrontation.

“We appeal to all road users to remain calm, cooperate with traffic officers, and follow all traffic diversion signs.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

The NAPTIP has included Speed Darlington’s name on an “international watchlist” after he “ignored multiple summons.”

It was gathered that a “bounty has also been placed on Speed Darlington” amid rumors that he has “departed Nigeria.”

Earlier report had it that Speed Darlington “insisted he committed no crime,” dismissing the allegations against him as “baseless.”

Controversial singer and content creator Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been added to the “international watchlist” after he “ignored multiple summons” over a “viral video of confession to sleeping with a minor.”

According to The Punch, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on “Monday, June 30,” said it had “added Speed Darlington’s name on an international watchlist.”

The report added that the agency was also “considering a N50m bounty on the singer” after the “duration of the wanted status.” “We are collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, the DSS, and even the Interpol. We have put all of them on procedural notice so that wherever they see him, they can take action. The reason we did this is because we have given him enough opportunity,” NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye told The Punch.

It was earlier reported that NAPTIP “declared Speed Darlington wanted” in connection with “alleged offenses.” However, in a “viral video,” the singer stated he had “committed no crime” and dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”

Speed Darlington also accused NAPTIP of seeking “social-media clout” and demanded a “N2.5m appearance fee.”