Tinubu highlights youth empowerment through economic reforms in meeting with Duke of Edinburgh

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has emphasised that ongoing economic reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and institutions will equip Nigerian youths with skills necessary to compete on a global scale.

During a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Monday with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, President Tinubu stressed the crucial role of youths in driving the country’s economic transformation. He expressed confidence that their active engagement in the reform agenda will steer Nigeria toward a prosperous future.

“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.
He outlined key initiatives supporting growth and prosperity, focusing heavily on demographic advantages and skills development. “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,” he explained.

President Tinubu also highlighted the government’s new education loan fund designed to ensure that every admitted university student has the support to remain and succeed. “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,” he added.

The President pointed out that these reforms cut across multiple economic sectors and are intended to foster harmony among stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress. Infrastructure improvements, such as fibre optic deployment, will enhance youth access and inclusion in national development.

Addressing security challenges, President Tinubu noted improvements and expressed appreciation for humanitarian organizations aiding victims of terrorism.

Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, underlined Nigeria’s youthful demographic, with a median age of 17 years, reflecting the deliberate focus on youth inclusion, skill acquisition, and economic growth in the reform efforts.

Prince Edward, in his capacity as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, lauded the President’s reform agenda, which has garnered global acclaim. He informed that 320 Nigerian youths will be honoured in upcoming award events in Lagos, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

The Duke praised Minister Edun for his strong advocacy on youth involvement and his significant role in supporting the award initiative: “We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people.”

The meeting had in attendance the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; Foundation Secretary General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and Africa Region Trustee, Muhoho Kenyatta.