Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has been appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) by King Charles III of the United Kingdom, in recognition of his distinguished service, particularly his longstanding contribution to youth development through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The honour, announced on Tuesday, places Edun in a rare and prestigious category of Nigerians recognised directly by the British monarch. He joins a select list of eminent personalities, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who has also received the royal distinction.
The Royal Victorian Order, one of the most exclusive honours in the British honours system, is personally bestowed by the monarch to acknowledge exceptional service to the Crown and the Commonwealth. Edun’s appointment underscores his enduring commitment to international youth empowerment and character development initiatives spanning several decades.
Part of the official citation published in the London Gazette read: “The King has been graciously pleased to make the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Royal Victorian Order (C.V.O.) to be an Honorary Commander: Adebayo Olawale Edun, lately Trustee, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.”
The recognition has drawn commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the honour as both merited and timely. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated Edun, noting that the award reflected his sustained impact on youth development beyond Nigeria’s borders.
According to the statement, Edun was honoured for his “longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” a globally respected programme designed to equip young people with essential life skills, leadership capacity and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
President Tinubu observed that thousands of young Nigerians are currently benefiting from the programme, adding that the royal recognition aligns squarely with his administration’s strategic focus on youth empowerment, opportunity creation and national renewal.
“The President welcomes the exceptional honour bestowed on a pivotal member of his cabinet and acknowledges that the recognition is consistent with the priority his administration places on youth empowerment and the development of future leaders,” the statement said.
