Two members of the British royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, wrapped up their three-day visit to Nigeria on Sunday, arriving at the Delborough, Lagos, during a trip to promote his humanitarian enterprise known as Invictus Games.
Upon arriving Lagos, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on Sunday.
The British Royal couple was received by Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and some members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina.
At the Delborough, Lagos, Prince Harry and Meghan were received by Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN and some distinguished Nigerians, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and founder of the Delborough, Lagos, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu (Stanel).
“Apples Bite” reports that the former army captain who flew helicopters in Afghanistan, founded Invictus Games 10 years ago to help bring wounded military veterans into sporting activities with a view to healing their physical, mental and psychological wounds and trauma.
The couple were thrilled to sports and dances in Lagos as they canvassed unity through sports.
“Apples Bite” reports that the Duke of Sussex arrived with his wife on Friday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where they visited a school event on mental health, in a trip that also saw the prince meet wounded soldiers.
On day three of the visit, Prince Harry and Meghan took part in a basketball event with the Giants of Africa Foundation in Lagos, an organisation that helps youth through engagement in the sport.
The prince practised dribbling basketballs with children at the exhibition event for the foundation, which is run by a basketball veteran, Masai Ujiri.
Harry said, “The power of sports can change lives, it brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers which is the most important thing.”
According to Sanwo-Olu, who was also set to take part in a Lagos fundraiser, it was a pleasure to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and share the vibrant culture of Lagos with them.
In his words: “We discussed the pivotal role mental health plays in holistic wellness, particularly for our military personnel. I commend the Duke and Duchess for spotlighting this crucial issue. Their commitment to supporting our heroes in uniform is truly inspiring.
“Looking forward to potential opportunities to host the Invictus Games in Nigeria and to showcase the resilience and spirit of our people,” the governor added in a post on X.”
Speaking earlier, Sanwo-Olu extolled Meghan’s Nigerian heritage.
In a video posted on X by his Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, the governor said knowing fully well “that Meghan has a decent percentage of Nigerian in her; we have sort of agreed that maybe that percentage should stay in Yoruba land. I can see she has been well attired and her yellow Aso Oke blends very well.”
On Friday afternoon, Meghan sat at an event for women in leadership with World Trade Organisation Director, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where the Duchess discussed her Nigerian heritage and being a role model to women.
“I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country,” she said to applause, before adding, “my country”.
“It’s been really eye-opening and humbling to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know, this is just the beginning of that discovery,” she added.
In Abuja, the prince had also taken part in a seated volleyball match with veterans, some of whom had missing limbs from combat in the North where troops battled terrorists.
Before Nigeria, Prince Harry was in London on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the games.
Below are some highlights of the event which included fundraising for the building of an international sporting complex for the veterans in Abuja:
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
