Harry and Meghan end Nigerian visit in high spirits
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle ended their three-day tour of Nigeria on Sunday after they visited Lagos to promote his Invictus Games for wounded military veterans.
The couple were treated to sports and dances in Nigeria’s economic hub as they canvassed unity through sports.
They had arrived Abuja on Friday and visited a school event on mental health. Harry also met wounded soldiers.
On day three of the visit, 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 sport.
Harry practised dribbling basketball with children at the exhibition event for the foundation, which is run by basketball veteran Masai Ujiri.
“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,” Harry said.
The former army captain who flew helicopters in Afghanistan, founded the Invictus Games 10 years ago to help bring wounded military personnel into sporting events to aid with their recuperation.
He and Meghan later met with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Governor’s House on the Marina and also took part in a Lagos fundraiser.
Sanwo-Olu said it was a pleasure to welcome the couple and share the vibrant culture of Lagos with them.
He recounted in a post on X (Twitter) how “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.”
Sanwo-Olu had earlier extolled Meghan’s Nigerian heritage in a speech.
Knowing full 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,” he said.
On Friday, Meghan sat at an event for women in leadership with World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala where Meghan 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.”
In Abuja, Harry had also taken part in a seated volleyball match with veterans, some of whom had missing limbs from combat in the North where troops battle terrorists.
Before they came to Nigeria, Harry was in London on May 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games he founded in 2014 to boost the morale of wounded military personnel.
Harry and Meghan pose with children after the Dream Big Basketball clinic in Lagos…. on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP
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