Nigeria’s commitment to empowering its young generation was highlighted on Friday at the Silver Award Presentation Ceremony of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The event, attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, honored outstanding young Nigerians aged 14 to 24 for their leadership, social responsibility, and life skills, marking their achievement of the prestigious Silver Award.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Edun to have commended the awardees for their dedication and hard work, encouraging them to strive for the Gold Award. 
“You are the future leaders of this country, and we depend on you to keep pushing yourselves and reaching for excellence,” he remarked, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to poverty reduction and youth empowerment, recognizing that investing in young people is crucial for driving long-term national progress.
The statement indicated that since its introduction in Nigeria, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has touched the lives of over 60,000 young people, equipping them with leadership skills, a sense of social responsibility, and life skills through structured guidance from over 2,000 mentors and volunteers.
The program continues to prepare Nigerian youth to meet the challenges of today’s complex world.
Other dignitaries in attendance included British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Gill Lever; Special Adviser to the Minister of Youth for State Development, Mr. Tunde Yakub Prudent; Trustee of The International Award for Young People Nigeria, Mr. Abdulrahman Sambo; and Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Sanyade Okoli.
The Silver Award Presentation Ceremony stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to youth development and empowerment. As the country looks ahead, these young leaders will play a vital role in securing a prosperous future for Nigeria.
