Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State Government and the Earl of Wessex, who is also the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, has promised to work together in support of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, licensed in the Country as the International Award for Young People in Nigeria.
Prince Edward, a member of the British royal family was in Lagos on a courtesy visit to the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday.
Accompanied by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson and the Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees in the Country, Mr Wale Edun, a trustee, Dr Doyin Abiola and the Award’s Regional Director, Africa, Mr. Edwin Kimani, Prince Edward emphasised that the award provides many opportunities for the youths in Nigeria and stated that government and employers of labour need to recognise and encourage those who went through non-formal education.
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While introducing the award to the governor, Mr Wale Edun who aknowledged the current administration’s investment in education and technology explained that the award is the premier platform global for non formal, co-curricular activities outside the classroom learning, stating it has been of tremendous value around the world and in Nigeria.
Founded by The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, Mr Edun said the award is available to all young people aged 14 to 24 years and equips them with life skills regardless of their background, culture and physical ability.
Mr Edun sought the support of the state government in the provision of internet access for youths participating in the Award to enable them share their works with their International counterparts.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the royal family for its many charitable organizations which are positively impacting many lives, stated that public schools in Lagos have started imparting similar knowledge.
He extended an invitation to Prince Edward to visit Lagos again in the nearest future and sent his warm regards to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.
