King Charles honours Wale Edun with Royal Victorian Order

King Charles III of the United Kingdom has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, 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 recognised with the rare distinction. He joins the exclusive list of recipients, with former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who was similarly honoured.

The appointment underscores both the exclusivity of the Royal Victorian Order and its significance in acknowledging exceptional service to the British monarch and the Commonwealth, especially in 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 honour, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Edun, describing the recognition 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 read.

The President noted that Edun was honoured for his “longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” a global youth development programme that equips young people with character, skills, and leadership capacity.

The statement added that thousands of young Nigerians currently benefit from the programme, describing the royal recognition as consistent with the Tinubu administration’s emphasis 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 commended Edun’s dedication and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s youth as leaders of today and tomorrow.

Source: Punch