Here is a rewritten version of the article with a neutral tone and Naija context for Nigerian readers: **King Charles III Honors Nigeria's Growing Influence at State Banquet** In a historic visit to the United Kingdom, President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, were treated to a grand reception at Windsor Castle. The occasion was a state banquet hosted by King Charles III, marking the first day of Nigeria's two-day state visit to the UK. In his speech, King Charles III paid tribute to Nigeria's rising influence in the UK, highlighting its significant cultural, economic, and diplomatic contributions. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the President and his delegation during the holy month of Ramadan. Here is the full text of the monarch's speech: "Your Excellency, Mr President, and Distinguished First Lady, Greetings! I hope you are well. My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Windsor Castle on this occasion. We are grateful for your visit, especially during this holy month of Ramadan, which is no small sacrifice. It is my pleasure to wish you, Mr President, peace, blessings, and an abundance of joy. Ramadan Mubarak! During my visit to Nigeria in 2018, I had the privilege of meeting with Nigeria's respected traditional leaders. It was clear that while the Nigerian welcome remains warm, the country itself is undergoing rapid transformation. Nigeria has grown into a nation of over 230 million people, with half of its population under 18. This is a testament to the energy, ingenuity, ambition, and resolve of its people. The UK is fortunate to have many Nigerians living among us, excelling in various fields such as business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts, as well as public service. We are grateful for their contributions to British society. I am proud to see the impact of Nigerian culture on British life. From music to food, fashion to art, Nigeria's influence is evident. It is a testament to the strong ties between our two nations. Once again, welcome to Windsor Castle, Mr President. We look forward to a fruitful and meaningful dialogue during your visit." The state banquet marked a significant moment in Nigeria-UK relations, highlighting the growing influence of Nigeria on the global stage and the strong ties between the two nations.