From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through sweeping economic and institutional reforms, saying the nation’s future rests on the skills, creativity, and competitiveness of its youth.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during a visit by Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, the President said ongoing reforms are deliberately crafted to secure long-term prosperity and strengthen access to education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
“Youths remain central to the repositioning of our economy. Their ownership of key reforms will lead Nigeria into a great future,” Tinubu said.
He added that the government’s renewed focus on skills development aligns with global best practices.
Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, briefed the President on preparations for the foundation’s international award event scheduled for Lagos.
He commended the government’s bold economic policies and the global confidence they continue to attract.
He also praised the resilience and ingenuity of young Nigerians, describing them as a dynamic force with the potential to shape the world.
According to him, the award ceremony will spotlight young achievers excelling in leadership, skills acquisition, and community service.
Tinubu said his administration’s reforms take into account Nigeria’s demographics and evolving skills needs, noting that the country is adopting best-in-class models in technical education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted the new student loan scheme as a major pillar of youth-focused interventions, stressing that it ensures no student is denied higher education due to lack of funds.
“Our education loan fund guarantees that students who gain admission stay in school and complete their studies. Our goal is to use education to eradicate poverty,” he said.
According to the President, reforms across the power, finance, technology, and infrastructure sectors are designed to harmonise stakeholder interests and create an enabling environment where talent can thrive.
He noted that the rollout of fibre-optic infrastructure and other digital investments would fast-track inclusion and widen opportunities for remote work, innovation, and global collaboration.
Prince Edward also commended Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, describing him as a “brilliant trustee and champion of young people” within the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ecosystem.
The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; and senior officials of the Award Foundation.
They expressed optimism about the deepening partnership between the foundation and Nigerian institutions.
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing security challenges but noted that the government was recording notable gains.
He also thanked humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism and aiding recovery in affected communities.
Prince Edward disclosed that 320 Nigerian youths will be honoured across various categories at the Lagos event, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
He said the awards would inspire more young people to acquire critical life skills and contribute to national development.
He added that the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award remains a global framework for non-formal education, helping young people build resilience, discipline, and a spirit of service across more than 130 countries.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, saying, “Our youths are our greatest national asset.
With the reforms we are implementing and the opportunities we are creating, we are confident that Nigerian youths will shine even brighter on the global stage.”
