Follow Us on Google
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint
Lucia (K.C.O.S.L.), Nigerian business leader and economic diplomat Aisha Maina has
congratulated the President, describing the honour as a significant milestone in deepening Africa–Caribbean relations.
The recognition comes at a time of renewed engagement between both regions. A few
weeks ago, Maina personally funded and led a 120-person Nigerian delegation to St. Kitts & Nevis, building on the momentum of the Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 2025), which she convened in Abuja in March.
The mission was conducted in a privately chartered plane from Air Peace, which included
government officials, entrepreneurs, creatives, policy advocates, cultural leaders and young leaders. It focused on fostering long-term partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, rooted in trust, investment, and cultural exchange. “I congratulate President Tinubu on this recognition from the Government of Saint Lucia,
”
said Aisha Maina, Founder and Managing Director of Aquarian Consult.
“It affirms Nigeria’s
growing global influence and underscores the work many of us in the private sector have
undertaken to strengthen Afri-Caribbean ties through meaningful investment and strategic collaboration.
”
Maina emphasised that while political alliances between Africa and the Caribbean have long
existed on paper, initiatives like AACIS 2025 and the June delegation reflect a shift toward
practical, action-oriented engagement, led by African voices and grounded in African
leadership.
“Africa and the Caribbean are not cousins, we are One People, One family. We share history, DNA, and vision. We must harness the opportunity to trade not just in goods and
services but in trust, not just in export but in expression.
”
Under Maina’s leadership, Aquarian Consult has been actively advancing frameworks for diaspora diplomacy, cultural cooperation, and South–South economic connectivity. The June delegation facilitated bilateral forums, cultural events, policy roundtables, business expo, investment discussions as well as a young adult empowerment program, while creating space for emerging African and Caribbean leaders to forge lasting relationships.
As President Tinubu’s knighthood garners global attention, observers note that the timing is more than symbolic. It reflects Nigeria’s evolving global role, one shaped not just by government diplomacy but by private leadership and cross-regional vision.
Aisha Maina’s contributions reflect this new approach. From strategy to execution, her work
continues to build the transatlantic bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, and her impact is already being felt.
