“Naija No Dey Carry Last” — King Charles celebrates Nigerians

King Charles III has commended the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, describing them as vital to the country’s growth and development.

The monarch made the remarks on Wednesday during a state banquet held at Windsor Castle in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of activities marking the Nigerian leader’s two-day state visit to the UK.

Speaking at the event, King Charles noted that Nigerians have become deeply integrated into British society, playing key roles across various sectors.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life,” he said.

He highlighted their impact in fields including business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts, noting that Nigerians continue to excel at the highest levels.

Reflecting on his engagements with the Nigerian community, the King spoke of meeting “quiet heroes” making meaningful contributions in schools, businesses, the National Health Service, and universities, including young people who have benefited from the King’s Trust over the years.

In a lighter moment, the monarch recalled hosting members of the Nigerian diaspora at St. James’s Palace, where he jokingly referenced the popular jollof rice debate.

“Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them to a jollof and tea party. 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.

King Charles also reflected on his first visit to Nigeria 36 years ago, expressing admiration for the growing influence Nigerians have had in the UK since then.

He noted that Nigerian culture has significantly enriched British life, from Afrobeats music filling concert halls and Nollywood films gaining global attention, to Nigerian talents excelling in the Premier League and the legal profession.

Raising a toast, the King celebrated Nigeria and its people, concluding with the popular phrase, “Naija no dey carry last.”

Earlier, President Tinubu was received at Windsor Castle with full ceremonial honours, including a guard of honour and a gun salute, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The visit includes high-level engagements with British officials and interactions with members of the Nigerian diaspora, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as security and education.

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