Tinubu Congratulates Wale Edun on Appointment to Royal Victorian Order

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on his appointment to the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III.

Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide Bayo Onanuga, said the honour reflects his administration’s focus on youth empowerment and national renewal.

“This recognition aligns with our priority to empower young people and renew our nation,” Tinubu said.

King Charles appointed Edun as Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in recognition of his longstanding work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a global youth programme that builds character and leadership.

Thousands of Nigerian youths currently benefit from the initiative.

Edun has served as Finance Minister since 2023 and is regarded as a key figure in Tinubu’s economic team.

Tinubu sent the congratulatory message from Europe, where he is on vacation, before heading to Abu Dhabi for a summit in January 2026.

Background on the Royal Victorian Order

The Royal Victorian Order (RVO) is a dynastic order of knighthood created by Queen Victoria in 1896 to recognise personal service to the British monarch.

It is awarded solely at the discretion of the sovereign, not through government recommendation.

Mr Edun was appointed in recognition of his decades-long work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a global youth development programme.

• Established: 21 April 1896 by Queen Victoria.
• Purpose: To reward distinguished personal service to the monarch, royal family, or their representatives.
• Unique Feature: Unlike other British honours, appointments are made directly by the monarch, without political or ministerial input.
• Grades:
  • Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
  • Knight/Dame Commander (KCVO/DCVO)
  • Commander (CVO)
  • Lieutenant (LVO)
  • Member (MVO)
• Motto: Victoria.
• Current Sovereign: King Charles III.

The RVO is considered one of the most personal honours in the British system, often conferred quietly and privately. It recognises loyalty, service, and contributions that directly benefit the Crown or its initiatives.

Relevance to Wale Edun

• Appointment: On December 30, 2025, King Charles III named Wale Edun a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).
• Reason: His longstanding contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a youth development programme operating in over 130 countries, including Nigeria.
• Impact: The award supports young people in building character, leadership, and life skills. Thousands of Nigerian youths currently benefit from the programme.
• Significance: Edun is the first Nigerian to receive the honour since Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General. This underscores the rarity and prestige of the recognition.
• Political Context: President Tinubu praised the honour, saying it aligns with his administration’s focus on youth empowerment and national renewal.

• Prestige: The RVO is a rare honour for non-British citizens, highlighting Edun’s international stature.
• Symbolism: It reflects Nigeria’s growing role in global youth development initiatives.
• Legacy: Edun’s recognition strengthens ties between Nigeria and the UK, while spotlighting the importance of youth-focused programmes in national development.

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