King Charles III on Wednesday spoke Yoruba and pidgin while hosting President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle.
The king opened his speech with Yoruba greetings, saying, “Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni. (Greetings! I hope you are well)” as he welcomed the president and the first lady.
He also wished them well during Ramadan, saying, “Ramadan Mubarak.”
Speaking about his visit to Nigeria in 2018, King Charles said he met traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar and the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
He said Nigeria has continued to grow and noted its population and the role of young people.
The king also spoke about Nigerians living in the United Kingdom and their role in different sectors.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage… are now at the heart of British life,” he said.
He said cultural ties between both countries continue to grow through music, film, sports and other sectors.
Charles also referred to shared history between both countries and said it should guide future cooperation.
“I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past… but I do believe… that history is a lesson in how we go forward together,” he said.
He spoke on cooperation between both countries in trade, education and security and said both sides should continue to work together.
The king ended his speech with pidgin, raising a toast and saying, “Naija no dey carry last.”
