By: Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that the far-reaching reforms undertaken by his administration to fortify the economy and critical national institutions are designed to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths and equip them with the skills required to compete credibly on the global stage.
Receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja on Monday, the President stressed that Nigeria’s youth stand at the heart of efforts to reposition the economy, adding that their embrace and stewardship of ongoing reforms will propel the nation toward a more prosperous future.
Prince Edward, as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, was in Abuja to brief the President about the international award that would 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.
“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 President added.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Tinubu emphasised that the reforms span multiple sectors of the economy and are driven by a broader goal of fostering stakeholder harmony and building sustainable synergy to achieve set national targets.
The President stated that the laying of fibre optics and other infrastructural projects will promote access and optimise the inclusion of young people in the country’s development.
He said that the government was also addressing the challenge of security and crime with notable results and thanked humanitarian agencies for assisting in ameliorating the plight of victims of terrorism in some parts of the country.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated that the median age in Nigeria was 17 years and that reforms have been deliberately structured to create more opportunities for participation, skill development, and growth.
The Duke of Edinburgh commended President Tinubu on the economic reforms that had been receiving positive reviews across the globe.
Prince Edward said the award ceremony will celebrate the talents and efforts of Nigerians in pursuing their passions, developing relevant skills, and contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
He revealed that 320 Nigerian youths will be recognised in the various events of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, in Lagos, with the partnership of the Lagos State Government.
Prince Edward commended the Minister of Finance for consistently highlighting the role of youths in the ongoing reforms and his “brilliant contributions to the hosting of the event.”
“We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” he added.
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/Chair of the Africa Region, Mr Muhoho Kenyatta, accompanied the Duke to the meeting.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education, empowering young people to develop skills, resilience, and a spirit of service.
It is delivered through schools, youth organisations, and community groups worldwide.
Olusola Akintonde