Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria on Friday to support the Invictus Games, an initiative Harry established for wounded military veterans. The royal couple arrived in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, where they attended an event at a school focusing on mental health for students.
Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by a drum and dance group representing the Igbo ethnic group. Prince Harry and Meghan toured the Lightway Academy, engaging with students and emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. Adorned with a traditional Nigerian bead necklace, Prince Harry delivered a message to the students, highlighting the widespread impact of mental health issues.
After they visited the school, Prince Harry and Meghan met with Nigerian military commanders as part of the Invictus program. Their presence at the event left a lasting impression on the students, with one student expressing admiration and inspiration upon meeting Prince Harry.
Prince Harry's trip to Nigeria follows his attendance at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games in London earlier in the week. Speculation surrounding a potential reconciliation with his family in the UK has emerged with each of his visits to the country since relocating to the United States in 2020.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, have expanded over the years, providing rehabilitation opportunities for wounded veterans through sports. Last year, Nigerian veteran Peacemaker Azuegbulam made history by becoming the first African to win a gold medal at the games held in Germany.
During his visit to Nigeria, Prince Harry is scheduled to participate in a sporting event in Abuja and also visit a military hospital in Kaduna, located in the country's northwest, where he will interact with troops injured in combat. Subsequently, he will travel to Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital.
Nigeria's military is currently engaged in various conflicts, including a jihadist insurgency in the northeast, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Additionally, armed criminal gangs, known as bandits, operate in northwestern and central states, perpetrating mass kidnappings and raids on villages.
