President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through far-reaching economic and institutional reforms designed to enhance skills, expand opportunities, and secure a prosperous future.
President Tinubu emphasized that young people remain central to Nigeria’s economic transformation, stressing that their active participation and ownership of ongoing reforms will propel the nation toward long-term growth.
“We will be participating in the G-20 this week—the third time Africa is hosting the summit—and the central issue is our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our young people,” Tinubu said.
He noted that government reforms aim to stimulate economic growth and national prosperity by prioritizing skills development and adopting global best practices. The President highlighted the recently established Student Education Loan Fund, which ensures that no student admitted to a tertiary institution drops out due to financial constraints.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he stated.
President Tinubu also pointed to ongoing infrastructural investments, including nationwide fibre optic deployment, as key to broadening access and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians in an increasingly digital economy. He added that the government was recording progress in addressing security challenges and thanked humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, noted that with Nigeria’s median age at 17, reforms had been deliberately tailored to create avenues for youth inclusion and advancement.
In response, Prince Edward commended President Tinubu for the economic measures that have drawn positive global attention. He said the forthcoming Duke of Edinburgh International Award ceremony would celebrate the achievements of Nigerian youths who are developing vital skills and contributing to national development.
A total of 320 Nigerian youths are set to be recognised during the event in Lagos, held in partnership with the Lagos State Government. Prince Edward also praised the Finance Minister for his strong advocacy and support for youth-focused initiatives.
The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary General of the Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee and Chair of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework that equips young people with practical skills, resilience, and a sense of service through programmes delivered in schools, youth groups, and community organisations worldwide.
