President Bola Tinubu says his administration’s sweeping economic and institutional reforms are built to secure a safer, more prosperous future for Nigerian youths by equipping them with globally competitive skills.
Hosting the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu stressed that young people sit at the heart of his reform agenda. He said their full participation is vital to driving national growth and ensuring the sustainability of the government’s policies.
Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, visited the President ahead of the global award ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Tinubu said youth development would be central to his engagements at the G-20 meetings this week, noting that Africa is hosting the gathering for the third time.
“Strengthening the economy for our young people is essential. The reforms are about growth and national prosperity, and they take full account of our demography,” the President said.
He highlighted the government’s prioritisation of skills acquisition, adoption of global best practices, and the rollout of multiple sectoral opportunities. He also pointed to the newly established education loan fund, which ensures that no student admitted to a university is forced out due to financial hardship.
According to Tinubu, ongoing reforms cut across key sectors—economic, security, and digital infrastructure—with the aim of fostering harmony among stakeholders and building long-term synergy for national development. He noted that ongoing fibre optic deployment and major infrastructure projects would widen access and boost youth inclusion.
On security, the President said his government was tackling challenges with “measurable progress” and acknowledged humanitarian agencies working to assist communities affected by terrorism.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s median age of 17 guided the government’s decision to design reforms that expand opportunities for youth participation and skills development.
Prince Edward commended Tinubu’s reforms, noting their positive reception globally. He announced that 320 Nigerian youths would be honoured at the International Award events in Lagos, supported by the Lagos State Government. He also lauded Edun for his steady advocacy for youth empowerment.
The Duke was accompanied by British High Commissioner Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award Foundation’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and its Africa Region Chair, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework that helps young people build skills, resilience, and a commitment to service, delivered through schools, youth bodies, and community organisations worldwide.
