A Nigerian medical student in Saint Lucia, Bob Chikwem Amadi, met with President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre during the Nigerian leader’s official visit to the Caribbean nation.

Amadi, who is enrolled at the American International University in Saint Lucia, encountered the two leaders during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Saint Lucian Prime Minister’s official residence.

He was part of the service staff from a local catering and entertainment company hired for the event, a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, Prime Minister Pierre informed President Tinubu at the start of their meeting that one of the catering staff members was a Nigerian studying in the country.

Amadi, a native of Rivers State, was introduced to President Tinubu, who briefly asked about his background and current studies. The President also offered his encouragement before inviting the student to join both leaders for a group photograph.

Speaking afterward, Amadi described the experience as meaningful and said it was the kind of moment he would remember. “Saint Lucia is a very calm place. The people seem content, and it’s been a good environment to study,” he said.

Amadi has been living in Saint Lucia for a decade and recently completed the basic phase of his medical education. He is now preparing for clinical training.

Commenting on relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, Amadi noted similarities in agriculture and culture between the two countries. “There’s a lot of potential for stronger connections,” he said.

President Tinubu’s state visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s ties with countries in the Caribbean and South America.