Our economic reforms will empower more Nigerian youths –Tinubu
...as over 300 Nigerian youths to receive Duke of Edinburgh awards in Lagos
By Sodiq Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu has assured that ongoing economic reforms are aimed at securing a brighter future for Nigeria’s youths by equipping them with skills to compete globally.
The President, who met the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja on Monday, said young Nigerians remain central to the country’s economic repositioning and must play a key role in implementing reforms.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
The statement reads partly:"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.
"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.
"We have a special education loan fund now that ensures that no one is left behind. The fund ensures that students who gain admission to universities stay in school and receive support to complete their education. Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.
"The reforms span various sectors of the economy, with a larger vision of promoting harmony among all stakeholders and ensuring long-term synergy to meet targets."
President Tinubu added that infrastructural projects, including the rollout of fibre optics, will create broader access and opportunities for young people to contribute to national development.
He also highlighted progress in addressing security challenges and thanked humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism across affected regions.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s median age is 17 years, and reforms are intentionally designed to provide opportunities for youth participation, skill development, and economic growth.
Prince Edward, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, praised the President for the reforms, noting their positive reception internationally. The award will celebrate 320 Nigerian youths in Lagos, recognising their talents, skill development, and contributions to national progress in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The Duke also commended Minister Edun for his “brilliant contributions” and for championing the role of young people in national development.
Attending the meeting were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Mr Muhoho Kenyatta.