King Charles III of the United Kingdom has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his distinguished service, particularly his long-standing contributions to youth development through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
According to ARISE News, the honour was announced on Tuesday and places Edun among a small number of Nigerians who have received the rare distinction. He joins an exclusive group of awardees that includes former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who was similarly recognised.
The appointment highlights the exclusivity and prestige of the Royal Victorian Order, which is conferred in acknowledgment of exceptional service to the British monarch and the Commonwealth, with particular emphasis on advancing international youth empowerment initiatives.
Part of the official citation published in the gazette read:
“Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St. James’s Palace, London SW1, 30 December 2025. 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.”
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Edun, describing the honour as well-deserved. The message was conveyed in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on his appointment to the Royal Victorian Order by His Majesty King Charles III,” the statement read.
The President noted that Edun was recognised for his “longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” a global youth development initiative designed to equip young people with character, skills, and leadership qualities.
The statement added that thousands of young Nigerians are currently benefiting from the programme, describing the royal honour as consistent with the Tinubu administration’s focus on youth empowerment and national renewal.
“The President welcomes the exceptional honour bestowed on a pivotal member of his cabinet and acknowledges that the recognition aligns with the priority his administration places on youth empowerment, opportunity, and national renewal,” the statement said.
President Tinubu further praised Edun’s dedication and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing Nigerian youths as leaders of both today and tomorrow.