The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry has visited Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as well as soldiers who were wounded in action as part of his activities while in Nigeria.
The prince who arrived at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna on Friday afternoon was accompanied by some aides and top Nigerian military officers.
While welcoming the prince, Governor Sani commended him for identifying with the Nigerian Armed Forces and supporting wounded soldiers.
The governor noted that such visits would go a long way in lifting the spirits of the brave and resilient officers and soldiers.
According to him, Prince Harry’s visit is evidence of his commitment to inspiring recovery, supporting rehabilitation, and broadening respect for the Nigerian soldiers.
“I wish to specially thank you for identifying with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and for your commitment to inspiring and supporting our troops. Your visit will definitely lift the spirits of our brave and resilient officers and men and women of the Armed Forces.
“As the Governor of Kaduna State, I have committed myself to the sustenance of the more than a century of this excellent relationship between our State and the Armed Forces. They are our strategic partners. We collaborate closely for the attainment of their constitutional mandates. They also play a vital role in ensuring security as a foundation for our key objectives in health, education, infrastructure, and socio-economic development, alongside the promotion of peaceful coexistence and togetherness”.
On his part, Prince Harry said he is in Nigeria to use the Invictus Games he founded 10 years ago to put smiles on the faces of wounded Nigerian soldiers and their families.
He said having founded a charity organization that caters to the welfare of soldiers ten years ago, Nigeria is the first African country to embrace the organisation with ten fantastic soldiers.
“We had a conversation with the Chief of Defense Staff some few hours ago and our coming had put smiles to the wounded soldiers,” he said.
In line with traditional hospitality, Governor Sani presented some gift items to Prince Harry and decorated him in a traditional Hausa attire.
From the Kaduna State Government House, Prince Harry and his team visited the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital to interact with wounded soldiers receiving treatment.
Journalists were not allowed into the hospital wards, but the Director of Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau explained that the visit would impact the lives of the wounded soldiers and their families.
Nigeria is the first African country to join in the Invictus Games held in Germany last year with ten participants from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Prince Harry’s visit to Kaduna came 68 years after his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II visited the state during the time of the late Premier of Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello.
