President Bola Tinubu has restated his commitment to reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and institutions, saying these efforts are aimed at securing a better future for young people and equipping them with skills that can compete anywhere in the world.
He made the remarks at the State House in Abuja while hosting the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. The president stressed that young Nigerians are at the heart of his economic agenda and that their active participation in ongoing reforms will shape the country’s long term progress.
Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, visited to brief Tinubu on the upcoming award ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos. The event will recognise hundreds of young Nigerians for their achievements in skill development, community service, and personal growth.
Tinubu noted that discussions at the G twenty gathering later in the week would also focus heavily on youth centred policies. He emphasised the need to grow an economy that can support the ambitions of Nigeria’s young population.
Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted that Nigeria’s median age is just seventeen, explaining that government policies were intentionally crafted to open more doors for education, skill building, and economic participation. He said the recently established education loan fund was designed to ensure no student drops out of school due to financial hardship, reinforcing the administration’s belief that education is a powerful tool against poverty.
Tinubu said the reforms cut across multiple sectors and are guided by a broader plan to ensure lasting cooperation among stakeholders. He added that investments in fibre optics and other infrastructure were aimed at expanding access and enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also spoke about progress in tackling security challenges, thanking humanitarian groups that continue to support victims of terrorism across affected regions.
Prince Edward praised the reforms and the growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction. He said the upcoming award ceremony in Lagos will celebrate three hundred and twenty young Nigerians who have demonstrated dedication and resilience in different fields. He further commended Minister Edun for consistently advocating for youth development and supporting the preparations for the event.
