King Charles III on Wednesday celebrated Nigeria’s rapid transformation, weaving Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba proverbs into his remarks while also referencing the country’s famous Jollof rice.
The British monarch, alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, hosted Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during a state visit reception at Windsor Castle on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, King Charles said Nigeria is evolving at an impressive pace, declaring, “Nigeria hasn’t merely changed. It has arrived.”
He highlighted the impact of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, noting that many of them are excelling across sectors, including business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, the arts, and public service.
“Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!” he said.
The monarch added that Nigerian culture has significantly enriched British society, pointing to the global popularity of Afrobeats, Nollywood films, and Nigerian talents in the Premier League and judiciary.
“Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their adopted place to invest, trade, or study, or Britons who cherish their personal connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations,” he said.
King Charles described the UK-Nigeria relationship as a mutually beneficial partnership of equals and praised Nigeria as “an economic powerhouse, a cultural force, and an influential diplomatic voice” on the global stage.
Quoting Yoruba wisdom, he said, “rain does not fall on one roof alone,” while also referencing a Hausa proverb: “when the music changes, so does the dance.”
Encouraging continued collaboration, he added, “My wife and I will gain strength from seeing Nigeria take her rightful place at the heart of the Commonwealth…” As the Igbo say, “Knowledge is never complete; two heads are better than one.”
He concluded his speech with a toast: “To the President and people of Nigeria—Naija No Dey Carry Last!”
