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 longstanding contribution to youth development through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
According to ARISE News, the honour, announced on Tuesday, places Edun among a select group of Nigerians to receive the rare distinction. He joins an exclusive list that includes former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who was similarly honoured.
The appointment highlights the prestige of the Royal Victorian Order, which is personally bestowed by the British monarch to recognise exceptional service to the Crown, the Commonwealth and global initiatives, especially those focused on youth empowerment.
An excerpt from 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.”
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Edun on the honour, describing it as well deserved. The commendation 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 said.
The President noted that Edun was recognised for his longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a global youth development programme that equips young people with essential life skills, character and leadership capacity.
The statement added that thousands of young Nigerians currently benefit from the programme, noting that the royal honour aligns with the Tinubu administration’s focus on youth empowerment and national renewal.
President Tinubu further praised Edun’s dedication and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s youth as leaders of today and tomorrow.
