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Our economic reforms will secure a better future for Nigerian Youths – Tinubu tells Prince Edward
President Bola Tinubu has reassured that the economic and institutional reforms currently being implemented by his administration are designed to secure the future of Nigerian youths and equip them with the skills needed to compete globally.
The President gave this assurance on Monday when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja.
Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, was in the country to brief the President about the upcoming international award ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos.
President Tinubu noted that young people remain central to the government’s efforts to reposition the economy, stressing that the success of the reforms depends on their active participation and long-term ownership.
He added that Nigeria’s engagement at the G-20 meeting this week will also focus on creating opportunities for young people.
“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 President said.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at driving growth and prosperity. He explained that the policies take Nigeria’s demography into account, with special attention on skills development, modern opportunities, and global best practices.
He highlighted the recently established student loan fund as a major step towards ensuring that every young Nigerian who gains admission into a higher institution is able to complete their studies.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he said.
President Tinubu further stated that the reforms cover several sectors, emphasizing harmony among stakeholders and long-term planning.
He disclosed that the ongoing laying of fibre optics and other infrastructure projects will expand access and inclusion for young people across the country.
On security, the President said progress is being made, and he thanked humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, noted that Nigeria’s median age is 17, adding that the reforms were deliberately designed to create more opportunities for skill development and participation in national growth.
Prince Edward praised the President’s reform efforts, describing them as globally recognized.
He said the international award ceremony in Lagos will honour 320 Nigerian youths for developing valuable skills, pursuing their passions, and contributing to national development.
He also commended the Minister of Finance for his consistent advocacy for youth empowerment and his role in preparing for the award ceremony.
Prince Edward was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and the International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education, supporting young people to build resilience, develop skills, and embrace community service through schools, youth organisations, and community groups around the world.

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