King Charles III, stunned his audience/guests at a state banquet for President Bola Tinubu by code switching to Nigerian languages, especially the popular pidgin English, when he declared “Naija No Dey Carry Last.”

The banquet, held at Windsor Castle, brought together senior officials, business leaders and cultural figures from both countries, underscoring deepening diplomatic and economic ties.

The King began his opening remarks in Yoruba, saying, “Ẹ káàbọ, sé dáadáa ni” (Welcome, how are you?), drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

King Charles also made reference to a Yoruba proverb on unity, an Igbo saying about knowledge, and a Hausa idiom highlighting change, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

The monarch referenced the Hausa saying which goes, “when the music changes, so does the dance” and cited the Igbo saying which reads, “Knowledge is never complete, two heads are better than one”

He further code switched to the Pidgin English, a popular variety spoken in the West African country when he declared, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!”

In his address, King Charles III further praised Nigeria’s global influence, describing it as a major economic and cultural force, while acknowledging the long-standing historical ties between both countries.

He described the relationship between both nations as built on mutual respect and shared progress.

“Britain and the former British colony have a deep bond and a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits.

“Nigeria is an economic powerhouse. It has not merely changed, it has arrived,” he said, adding that “Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s.”

In his response, Tinubu said:“our

people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” he said, pointing to their impact in healthcare, sports, and beyond.

“Our two nations share a vision of progress based on mutual respect and common values,” President Tinubu added, noting he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom will boost Nigeria’s economic outlook and pave the way for a £746 million port financing deal.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said the trip is expected to deepen economic diplomacy and drive key infrastructure projects, especially within the maritime sector.

The APC noted that the visit will facilitate and formalise a £746 million financing arrangement involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance, aimed at rehabilitating major seaports across the country.

According to the party, the agreement will prioritise the upgrade of two major facilities, the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex, with the goal of modernising port infrastructure and enhancing trade operations.

It described the initiative as a major milestone in positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa, while also stimulating economic growth.

The party added that the visit highlights the administration’s resolve to strengthen international partnerships in line with its broader economic reform agenda.

“The visit provides an important platform for high-level engagements with government officials, investors, and development partners on issues critical to Nigeria’s growth, including infrastructure development, energy transition, technology transfer, education, security collaboration, and opportunities for Nigerian businesses in global markets,” the statement read.

The Lagos APC further emphasised that the United Kingdom remains a longstanding economic partner and a vital ally in Nigeria’s development efforts.

It expressed optimism that the outcomes of the visit would attract increased foreign direct investment, enhance bilateral trade ties, and generate employment opportunities for citizens.

The party also pointed to President Tinubu’s history of leveraging international partnerships for development during his time as governor of Lagos State, noting that his current diplomatic engagements reflect that experience.

It urged Nigerians to see the visit as part of a broader nation-building strategy anchored on economic diplomacy, stressing that sustained global engagement is key to long-term prosperity.

The APC reaffirmed its belief that the visit will further strengthen Nigeria’s economic prospects and elevate its standing on the global stage.

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has directed all political appointees in the state to hand over their duties with immediate effect, barely 24 hours after his inauguration for a second term.

The directive is contained in a circular issued on Wednesday by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo.

According to the circular, affected appointees are to hand over to Permanent Secretaries or, in their absence, the most senior civil servant in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

It stated that the handover process must be completed on or before the close of work on the same day, pending the constitution of a new cabinet.

“I am directed to inform all political appointees to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior civil servant in the various MDAs on or before the close of work today, until a new cabinet is constituted,” the circular read.

The government also directed all first-term cabinet members to meet with the governor on March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Anambra State Executive Council Chambers.

The circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo.