Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — In a rare and prestigious recognition, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom has appointed Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO), making him one of the few Nigerians to receive the honour. The appointment was announced in late December 2025 in official British honours, acknowledging Edun’s distinguished service and longstanding contributions to international and Commonwealth youth development initiatives.
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1896 by Queen Victoria, bestowed at the sole discretion of the monarch to recognise personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family. It carries significant historical prestige and is rarely conferred on foreign nationals, underscoring the exceptional nature of Edun’s recognition.
The citation accompanying Edun’s appointment highlights his longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally respected youth development programme that operates in over 130 countries. The initiative focuses on empowering young people through structured activities aimed at building character, leadership skills, resilience and civic engagement. In Nigeria, thousands of youths have benefited from the programme’s activities, which are designed to support personal growth and community service.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomed the honour in a statement conveyed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President described the appointment as an “exceptional honour” that not only reflects Edun’s international stature but also aligns with the administration’s emphasis on youth empowerment, opportunity creation and national renewal. In his message of congratulations, Tinubu commended Edun’s industry and dedication to service.
“As King Charles III has graciously recognised Mr Edun’s contributions, this honour also reflects positively on Nigeria’s role in supporting youth development on the global stage,” the presidential statement said, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s youth as leaders of today and tomorrow.
Wale Edun’s career spans public service, finance and international development. He has served in key positions, including as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy since August 2023, after a long and distinguished career as an economist and investment banker. Edun’s leadership in promoting programmes that extend beyond Nigeria’s borders has been cited as a key reason for his selection for the Royal Victorian honour.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, with which Edun has been closely involved, is recognised worldwide for its impact on youth development. The programme encourages young people to set and achieve personal goals through community service, adventurous journeys, physical recreation and skills acquisition. Nigeria’s active participation in the initiative has expanded opportunities for many young citizens, strengthening the country’s engagement with international development networks.
Observers say the award not only elevates Edun’s personal profile internationally but also underscores Nigeria’s diplomatic and cultural presence in global spheres, particularly within Commonwealth circles. The honour may also inspire deeper bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in areas such as education, youth development and capacity building.
Reactions from across Nigeria’s political and business communities have been largely positive, with many hailing the recognition as a testament to Edun’s career and a symbol of Nigeria’s growing influence on the world stage. Supporters argue that such honours can open doors for further collaborative initiatives that leverage Nigeria’s demographic advantage and commitment to youth empowerment.
Edun’s appointment as a Grand Commander within the Royal Victorian Order adds to a small but distinguished list of Nigerians recognised by the British monarchy. It revives memories of similar honours conferred on notable figures in past decades, emphasising the enduring ties between personalities who have contributed meaningfully to international causes and the Commonwealth community.
The recognition arrives at the close of a year marked by diplomatic engagements and milestones for Nigeria on the international stage. For Edun, the honour is seen as a capstone to his work in fostering leadership development among young people and strengthening institutional ties through collaborative programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
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