Olushola Omogbehin
In his effort to strengthen global partnership, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently hosted His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward Anthony Richard Louis, at the Nigerian Excellence Evening and Gold Award Presentation.
The event was organised to celebrate young Lagosians who successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE), which is a globally recognised programme that equip young people with confidence, leadership skills, resilience and a strong sense of community responsibility.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the awardees for demonstrating resilience, creativity, discipline, and a strong sense of civic responsibility that define the spirit of Lagos.
Sanwo – Olu said that the accomplishments of these young people serve as a great reminder of what vision, innovation, dedication and perseverance can achieve.
“Your dedication is a powerful testament to what determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn can achieve,” he said.
The Governor emphasised his administration’s untiring commitment to empowering young Nigerians through platforms that encourage leadership, innovation and community service.
He assured that Lagos will continue to create opportunities that shape young people into leaders that will drive the next chapter of the state’s development and global competitiveness.
Widely acknowledged across Europe, North America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is also well known among Lagos families living abroad for its strong emphasis on leadership, service, and lifelong skills.
In addition, the coming of the Duke of Edinburgh to Lagos reaffirmed Lagos as a globally connected State committed to preparing its youth to excel and contribute meaningfully on the world stage.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA) has said that the event is in tandem with their mission of strengthening diaspora connections by building bridges between Lagos and its global community as well as promoting opportunities that link diaspora families to homegrown initiatives.
Prince Edward is the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. It convened about 200 young people from more than 50 countries.
