FG Recognizes Youth Leadership at Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award Ceremony
By Patience Ikpeme
The federal government has applauded the exceptional achievements of young Nigerians aged 14 to 24, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, social responsibility, and life skills.
This recognition was given at the Silver Award Presentation Ceremony of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, held in Abuja on Friday.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, expressed the nation’s strong commitment to youth empowerment during the event. He commended the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments in achieving the Silver Award, describing it as a significant milestone in their development.
The Minister also encouraged the recipients to aspire to the Gold Award, challenging them to continue their pursuit of excellence.
“You are the future leaders of this country, and we count on you to keep pushing yourselves and reaching for excellence,” Mr. Edun said, highlighting the crucial role that young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The Minister further reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, with a particular focus on reducing poverty and empowering the younger generation. He emphasized that investment in youth is essential for driving the country’s long-term progress, noting that their growth and development will be instrumental in national prosperity.
Since its introduction in Nigeria, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has positively impacted more than 60,000 young people, helping them develop leadership skills, social responsibility, and key life skills. With the guidance of over 2,000 adult mentors and volunteers, the program continues to prepare Nigerian youth for success in an increasingly complex world by providing a structured and progressive framework for personal growth.
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including the 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 serves as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to youth development and empowerment. As the nation looks to the future, it is clear that the young leaders being celebrated today will play an essential role in shaping Nigeria’s success in the years to come.
