Britain’s Prince Harry ends 3-day Nigeria visit on high note

By Timothy Olanrewaju

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle wrapped up their 3-day visit to Nigeria Sunday with hopes for global support for the wounded servicemen in one of Africa's largest nations.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria earlier Friday to promote the Invictus Games, an initiative by Prince Harry to garner global support for wounded-in-action troops and veterans.

"My visit is to uplift their spirit and boost their morale despite the fact that they have laid down their lives," Prince Harry said during a courtesy visit to the governor of northwest Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

Before the visit, Prince Harry met wounded troops at a military referral hospital in Kaduna, a flashpoint for terrorist, bandit, and armed gang attacks.

Nigerian forces are currently conducting a special military operation in the state.

Moses Abiimaje, a defense journalist who also covered the royal couple's visit to Kaduna, said he expects the historic visit to trigger global engagements for the wounded veterans.

"Most Nigerians hope that it will culminate in global support for wounded-in-action military personnel, those who have paid the supreme price, and veterans who fought to ensure we have peace not only in Nigeria but in Africa," he told Anadolu.

On Saturday, Harry and Meghan engaged in various activities. The Duke of Sussex played a volleyball match with injured soldiers, put together by the country's chief of defense staff -- Team CDS.

Shortly after the match, Nigerian defense chief Gen. Christopher Musa described the Harry and Meghan visit as inspiring.

"It has been a very inspiring experience having the prince in our country. It shows a lot of people show concern about what is happening in our country and the sacrifice our troops are making to provide security to Nigerians," he said.

Meghan, on the other hand, attended an event in the capital Abuja for the families of military personnel. There she was treated to traditional dances and African cultural displays.

She said the visit was an eye-opening experience having earlier suggested she found her roots in Nigeria.

The Duchess of Sussex also attended a forum on women in leadership, co-hosted by the head of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja.