- Safiu Kehinde
King Charles III of the United Kingdom has on Wednesday evening thrilled President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerian guests at the Windsor Castle with his Pidgin English and take on the popular jollof rice debate during his address at the State Banquet hosted by the renowned monarch.
NPO Reported that Tinubu had alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu arrived at the United Kingdom on Tuesday ahead of their two-day state visit.
While they were been formally received at the Windsor Castle by the Royal Family in the early hours of Wednesday, King Charles III would host a State Banquet for them alongside other Nigerian delegates having skipped the lunch meeting on account of the Ramadan fasting observed by Tinubu.
In his welcome address, King Charles III firstly stirred his guest with his attempt to greet the President and Frist Lady in Yoruba.
“Your Excellency Mr. President and distinguished First Lady, Ekaabo. Se daadaa ni?” He said.
This had triggered uproar across the room with President Tinubu heard bursting into laughter.
The monarch expressed his delight in hosting Tinubu and the First Lady while wishing them Ramadam Mubarak.
“My wife and I are delighted to welcome you Windsor Castle here on this occasion and are most grateful to you for travelling during this Holy month which I acknowledge is not small sacrifice.
“So, it is my particular pleasure, Mr. President, to wish you peace, blessing and abundance of joy and Ramadan Mubarak.” He said.
While speaking on the contribution of the Nigerian communities to the growth of the United Kingdom, King Charles III jumped on the West African jollof debate as he recounted his encounter with Nigerians during the jollof and tea party held at the St. James’ Palace ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.
The monarch declared Nigeria jollof as the best while acknowledging the Ghanaian and Senegalese brand of the popular delicacy.
“Early last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a jollof and tea party at St. James’ Palace.
“I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best- Nigeria of course. Or perhaps it’s Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember.” He said.
King Charles III described Nigeria as an economic powerhouse and cultural force with growing global influence.
He noted that Nigerians in the UK have made remarkable contributions across sectors including business, healthcare, education, law, technology and the arts.
“We are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage are now at the heart of British life,” the monarch said.
The King highlighted deepening economic ties, noting increasing trade, investment flows and partnerships between institutions and businesses in both countries.
He also acknowledged historical complexities in the relationship between both nations, while emphasising the importance of building a future anchored on trust, cooperation and shared values.
The monarch commended Nigeria’s role in promoting interfaith harmony and regional stability, noting that the country’s experience offers lessons for peaceful coexistence globally.
King Charles would then end his speech with Nigerian pidgin English, stirring the audience once again as he called for a toast while wishing all Muslim faithful Eid-el-Mubarak.
“I can only wish you and millions of Muslims in our country Eid Mubarak. In doing so, let me propose a toast to the President and people of Nigeria. Naija no dey carry last.” He said.