President Bola Tinubu has stated that the ongoing economic reforms and institutional restructuring will secure a stronger future for Nigerian youths by equipping them with globally competitive skills. The President made this known on Monday when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja. He explained that young people remain central to Nigeria’s long-term economic vision and their full involvement in the reform agenda will help the country achieve lasting growth.
Prince Edward, who serves as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, visited Abuja to brief the President on the upcoming international award ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos.
“We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our youths,” President Tinubu said.
He explained that the key reforms introduced by his administration are aimed at promoting economic growth, fostering investment, and improving long-term prosperity. According to him, the government is focusing on demography, skill development, and global best practices to open new opportunities for Nigeria’s young population.
“The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and skills development. We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development,” he added.
The President highlighted the introduction of the new education loan fund, noting that it is designed to ensure that no student is left behind. He said the fund supports students who gain admission into universities, enabling them to remain in school and complete their education without financial pressure. “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” Tinubu stressed.
He explained that the reforms cover multiple sectors of the economy, with a long-term plan to build harmony among stakeholders and strengthen institutions. Tinubu noted that infrastructure projects, especially the laying of fibre optics across the country, will expand digital access and improve the inclusion of young people in national development. He also said the government is addressing national security challenges with notable progress and appreciated humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, told the visiting delegation that Nigeria’s median age of 17 makes youth-focused reforms essential. He said the government deliberately structured its policies to expand opportunities for participation, economic inclusion, and skills development.
Prince Edward praised the President for the reforms, noting that they have received positive attention internationally. He said the upcoming award ceremony in Lagos will recognise Nigerian youths who have shown exceptional commitment to building their skills and contributing to national growth.
He revealed that 320 young Nigerians will be honoured across various categories of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, with support from the Lagos State Government. Prince Edward also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Finance for consistently promoting youth development. “We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” he said.
The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the High Royal Highness’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International 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 framework for non-formal education designed to help young people build resilience, acquire practical skills, and develop a commitment to community service. It is implemented through schools, youth organisations, and community groups across the world.
