President Tinubu Highlights Economic Reforms to Empower Nigerian Youths, Welcomes Duke of Edinburgh
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that ongoing economic reforms are designed to empower Nigerian youths and equip them with globally competitive skills, noting that youth ownership of these reforms is central to national prosperity. The President made this statement while receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking on the significance of youth-centered policies, President Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s young population is pivotal to driving economic growth and institutional reform. “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,” the President said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Nigerian youths.
President Tinubu further noted the establishment of a special education loan fund, which ensures that students admitted to universities can complete their education without financial hindrance. “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he added, stressing that the government’s vision spans multiple sectors of the economy to ensure long-term synergy and inclusive growth.
The President also highlighted infrastructural projects, including the laying of fibre optics and other technology-driven initiatives, aimed at improving connectivity and fostering greater youth participation in national development. He stressed that addressing security and crime challenges remains a priority, and thanked humanitarian agencies for assisting victims of terrorism in affected regions.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward; President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in the State House, Abuja. Monday, November 17, 2025
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, underlined that Nigeria’s median age of 17 years makes youth-centered reforms particularly urgent. According to him, these reforms are deliberately structured to create broad opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and participation in national growth.
“President Bola Tinubu met with the Duke of Edinburgh in Abuja to discuss youth empowerment through ongoing economic reforms. The President emphasized that these reforms aim to equip Nigerian youths with global skills, improve access to education, and foster economic inclusion. Highlighting infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, and security improvements, Tinubu stressed youth ownership of reforms as critical to national prosperity. Prince Edward commended the government for its policies, while Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the meeting reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of globally competitive leaders and innovators.”
Prince Edward, as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, commended the President on the reforms and their positive reception globally. The Duke outlined that the award ceremony in Lagos would recognize 320 Nigerian youths for their talent, resilience, and contributions to nation-building. He praised Minister Edun for his pivotal role in ensuring youth engagement throughout the program and highlighted the importance of global collaboration in youth development.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information & Strategy, remarked, “The meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh underscores Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment and highlights the administration’s dedication to providing practical opportunities for young people to thrive, both nationally and globally.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education, enabling young people to develop skills, resilience, and a spirit of service. Delivered through schools, youth organizations, and community groups worldwide, the award aligns perfectly with the Nigerian government’s ongoing economic reforms to equip the next generation for future challenges. More details on the program are available at the official Duke of Edinburgh website.
President Tinubu emphasized that these reforms are not limited to education alone. Strategic projects targeting infrastructure, technology, and digital inclusion will ensure that Nigerian youths are fully integrated into the global economy. He stressed that youth ownership of reforms and active engagement in nation-building are essential to achieving sustainable economic growth.
Concluding the meeting, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for Nigerian youths. He said, “By fostering skills development, expanding educational access, and creating economic opportunities, we are investing in Nigeria’s future. Our youths are at the centre of our plans, and their success is integral to national prosperity.”
The meeting highlighted the alignment between Nigeria’s domestic economic policies and global youth empowerment initiatives. Through partnerships with international organizations like the Duke of Edinburgh Award Foundation, Nigeria is positioned to nurture a generation of young leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals capable of competing on the global stage.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
