Nigerian Leaders, Others Meet King Charles Ahead Of Tinubu’s Planned Visit

Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), King Charles III hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora at St James’s Palace, London.

The event, which took place earlier in the week, was an evening of cultural pride and diplomacy whilst also drawing attention to one of the most pressing issues currently confronting families and educators – the protection of children in the digital age.

The reception brought together a cross-section of Nigerians living in the UK, including business leaders, professionals, creatives and public figures, whose work has continued to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Britain.

Amongst the guests was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rupetta Group, Mrs Katmaan Senlong, whose work across education, technology and social impact has garnered growing respect in both Nigeria and the UK. An ICT solicitor and education advocate, Senlong has become widely known for advancing a model of child development rooted in discipline, confidence, creativity and structured learning.

During a brief exchange with Senlong, King Charles III emphasised the need to keep children away from social media, especially during their early years of education, a statement that reflected Senlong’s longstanding commitment to building environments where children can flourish beyond the distractions and pressures of the digital world.

It’s worth recalling that Nigeria launched a national public consultation on child online safety, including age limits for social media access, stronger age verification, and greater accountability for digital platforms.

This development marked a notable and welcome shift in Nigeria’s approach to child protection in the digital era, positioning the country within a wider international movement that is increasingly treating online safety as a matter of public importance.

“Around the world, governments are moving with greater urgency. Australia has already introduced social media restrictions for underage users, while France, Norway and Denmark are amongst the countries taking firmer positions on how children engage with digital platforms. Nigeria’s own emerging response suggests a country beginning to meet the moment with seriousness and care,” said Senlong.

She added that the issue is more than just policy. According to her, “it is central to the philosophy behind Rupetta Academy and the wider Rupetta Group.”

Senlong’s work is said to have consistently focused on providing children with meaningful alternatives through chess, science, structured education, physical activity, and creative engagement.

The evening at St James’s Palace also celebrated Nigeria itself. Guests were treated to Nigerian cuisine and cultural performances that reflected the country’s richness, confidence and global cultural reach.

Beneath the elegance of the setting, there was a clear message – that Nigerians in the diaspora are not only succeeding but also shaping serious conversations about the future of education, enterprise, culture, and public life.

As anticipation builds for President Tinubu’s visit, the reception offers an early note of warmth and mutual regard between the two countries.

Through Senlong, Nigeria is presenting the world with a generation of leaders whose influence is measured not only by titles or visibility, but also by the depth and relevance of their work.