UPDATED: Tinubu to Prince Edward: Economic reforms will equip Nigerian youths for global competitiveness

President Bola Tinubu on Monday affirmed that ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and key institutions will secure the future of Nigerian youths and equip them with globally competitive skills.

The President stated this when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement that the President noted that youths remain central to repositioning the economy, adding that their ownership of the reforms will drive Nigeria toward a stronger future.

Prince Edward, who is Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, is in Abuja to brief the President on the international award programme 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.

“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.

President Tinubu noted that the reform spans various sectors of the economy, with a larger vision of promoting harmony among all stakeholders and ensuring long-term synergy to meet 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.

Read also: Tinubu calls for global partnership to defeat terrorism

Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, in his remarks, noted that Nigeria’s median age is 17 years and that the government’s reforms have been deliberately structured to create more opportunities for participation, skills development, and growth.

The Duke of Edinburgh commended President Tinubu for the economic reforms, which he said have continued to receive positive reviews globally.

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 disclosed that 320 Nigerian youths will be recognised in the various events of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, held in Lagos in partnership with 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.

Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Alex Potts, the High Royal Highness’s Private Secretary; Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation; and Muhoho Kenyatta, International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, 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.