King Charles III has conferred the Royal Victorian Order on Nigeria’s finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, placing him among a select group recognised for service to the British monarchy.
Nearly 1,200 people were recognised in the King’s honours list for 2026 which was released Tuesday.
Edun received the title of ‘commander’, one of the five grades under the Victorian order.
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria.
It recognises distinguished personal service to the monarchy, members of the royal family, or to any viceroy or senior representative of the monarch.
Charles, the present monarch, is the sovereign of the order.
Edun was honoured with the award as a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, a role he has held since December 2013.
The finance minister also chairs the board of trustees of the International Award for Young People Nigeria.
Former Commonwealth secretary-general, Emeka Anyaoku was the last Nigerian recipient of the Royal Victorian Order. Queen Elizabeth II conferred Anyaoku with the title of Knight Grand Cross, the highest grade in the award, in 2000.
In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Edun for the recognition, describing it as exceptional.
President Tinubu said the minister is a pivotal member of his cabinet, adding that the recognition aligned with the priority his administration places on youth empowerment, opportunity, and national renewal.
Last month, President Tinubu received Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Edward visited Nigeria to champion the expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award across the world.
The award is a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world.
Edun was among Nigerian officials present at the meeting.
