President Bola Tinubu has publicly celebrated and congratulated his Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on receiving a significant royal honour from the British monarchy.
A Prestigious International Recognition
King Charles III appointed Wale Edun as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This honour is a personal gift of the sovereign, awarded for distinguished service to the monarchy. The conferment, announced on 31 December 2025, specifically recognises Mr Edun's long-standing and impactful contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
Decades of Service to Youth Empowerment
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a globally respected youth development programme. It operates in more than 130 countries and territories, including Nigeria, where it has positively impacted thousands of young people. The programme's core mission is to equip youth with essential life skills, foster leadership capacity, and instil a strong sense of civic responsibility through structured activities in personal development, community service, physical fitness, and skill acquisition.
In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu described the CVO honour as well-deserved. He directly linked it to Edun's decades-long commitment to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening institutions that build leadership and character.
Alignment with National Priorities
President Tinubu noted that this international recognition dovetails perfectly with the core objectives of his administration. He highlighted the government's focus on youth empowerment, human capital development, and national renewal as areas where Edun's recognised service resonates deeply.
The President was quoted as saying, "Mr Edun's recognition by His Majesty, King Charles III is a testament to a lifetime of service that transcends borders and speaks to the universal values of mentorship, discipline, and opportunity for young people."
This award shines an international spotlight on the work being done in Nigeria through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and underscores the value of global partnerships in youth development. It also highlights the profile of Nigerian officials on the world stage, receiving accolades for service that extends beyond national governance into global philanthropic and developmental efforts.
