The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, has delivered a powerful message to young Nigerians, challenging them to seize control of their nation's destiny and become the driving force behind its transformation.
A Call to Action for Young Leaders
Speaking during the opening session of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Association event in Lagos, Prince Edward emphasized that young Nigerians must embrace challenges, discover their potential, and evolve into a leadership cadre capable of making substantial impacts on both society and the economy.
However, he stressed that proper guidance through non-formal education is essential for youth to effectively tackle the complex challenges facing Nigeria. The royal visitor specifically urged the Nigerian government to create frameworks that enable non-formal education to flourish, noting that these alternative learning pathways provide crucial skills for addressing national issues.
Global Gathering in Lagos
The landmark event, which marked the first time the International Gold Award ceremony combined with the global youth forum, attracted 300 young participants from 50 countries, alongside numerous global leaders and officials. Prince Edward highlighted that over the years, the award program has successfully trained young leaders and inspired them to overcome obstacles while discovering their purpose.
Wale Edun, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the International Award for Young People Nigeria and the country's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, provided significant context about the program's growth. He revealed that the award, which blends non-formal education with international leadership programs, has expanded to 139 countries and territories worldwide.
Government Support and Future Vision
Edun noted that since its relaunch approximately ten years ago with 40,000 participants, the program has experienced substantial growth in Nigeria, particularly following the Duke of Edinburgh's visit. He made a striking prediction that within 25 years, 25% of the global workforce will originate from Africa, underscoring the urgent need to nurture and empower young people to meet future demands.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, reaffirmed the ministry's support for the award program, describing non-formal education as a complementary pathway to formal education. She emphasized the transformative potential of non-formal education in developing leadership qualities, resilience, and practical life skills among the youth.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the award's global impact, noting that last year alone, nearly 1.2 million young people across 130 countries participated, generating over one billion pounds in social value through volunteering, skills development, health benefits, and community cohesion.
The governor expressed confidence that hosting this global event in Nigeria would significantly boost Lagos's international profile, strengthen soft power, and enhance multiple sectors including hospitality, tourism, creative industries, and the local economy.
