President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an economy that places Nigerian youths at the centre of national development. Speaking on Monday while receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja, the President said his ongoing reforms are designed to secure the future of young Nigerians and equip them with skills that can compete anywhere in the world.
Prince Edward, who serves as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, visited the President to brief him on the upcoming international award ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos.
Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s youth population will be the driving force behind the country’s transformation, stressing that meaningful reforms must give them both ownership and opportunity. According to him, the conversations at the forthcoming G-20 meeting—where Africa will host for the third time—will also revolve around youth empowerment and economic strengthening.
He noted that his administration’s reforms incorporate global best practices, especially in skill acquisition and capacity building, with the aim of unlocking opportunities across diverse sectors. Tinubu highlighted the newly established Education Loan Fund as one of the key tools to ensure access to higher education, saying it guarantees that no Nigerian student is left behind due to financial constraints.
The President added that the government's development drive includes infrastructural renewal—such as laying fibre optic cables—which will increase digital access and create more pathways for young people to participate in national progress. He also stated that while the country continues to tackle security challenges, significant improvements have already been recorded, with humanitarian partners helping to ease the burden of affected communities.
Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, noted that with Nigeria’s median age at just 17, the administration’s reforms are intentionally crafted to broaden opportunities for skill growth, youth participation, and long-term prosperity.
Prince Edward praised the reforms of the Tinubu administration, saying the global community has taken note of the positive trajectory. He explained that the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ceremony in Lagos will recognize 320 Nigerian youths for excellence in their pursuits, contributions to nation-building, and demonstration of resilience.
He also commended the Minister of Finance for his consistent advocacy for youth-focused reforms and his role in supporting the award program.
Accompanying the Duke were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; Prince Edward’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and the Chairman of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award operates globally as a framework for non-formal education, designed to help young people build essential life skills, resilience, and a sense of service to their communities. It is implemented through schools, youth organizations, and community groups worldwide.