LAGOS: Prince Edward has arrived in Nigeria and this time; the Duke of Edinburgh isn’t just making a ceremonial appearance.
He is in Lagos to champion the next generation of emerging global leaders as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award approaches its 70th anniversary.
The duke touched down on Monday to begin a week-long visit centred on a major global youth gathering hosted in Lagos.
Nearly 200 young participants from over 50 countries will unite under the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, one of the world’s leading non-formal education programmes.
Over the coming days, he will preside over a three-day intensive youth leadership programme and the organisation’s triennial forum, both scheduled from November 17 to 23.
The events are designed to expand access to the Award and strengthen its reach across continents.
Prince Edward’s itinerary spans Lagos and Abuja. In Abuja, he is expected to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the mission’s diplomatic engagements.
The visit comes as Nigeria records a remarkable 37% surge in Award participation over the past year a milestone that highlights growing youth interest across West Africa and makes Nigeria a fitting host for this milestone gathering.
The duke is on a tightly packed schedule that blends diplomacy, education initiatives, and signature royal presence.
In Lagos, he will meet senior ministers and international development partners to deepen collaboration in non-formal education.
He will also attend high-profile engagements organised by the Lagos State Governor and the British Deputy High Commissioner.
His Abuja engagements include several key meetings most notably the anticipated audience with President Tinubu as the duke continues driving momentum for the Award’s global expansion.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, founded in 1956, marks its 70th anniversary next year, and Prince Edward’s Nigeria mission reflects the renewed push to inspire young people worldwide through ambition, resilience, and leadership.
