The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, arrived in Nigeria on Friday, to promote mental health awareness and the Invictus Games, a sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded military veterans.
The couple visited the Lightway Academy in Abuja, where they were welcomed by students and staff. Prince Harry shared on the importance of mental health, stating, “If you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person… The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away”
During their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engaged with students, while encouraging them to place priority on their mental well-being.
The couple’s visit is aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, particularly in Nigeria, where it is often viewed as a taboo topic
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans through sports. The games have since expanded globally, with Nigeria participating in last year’s edition.
Prince Harry’s visit to Nigeria would include meetings with military commanders and soldiers wounded in combat, as well as attendance at a sporting event in Abuja and a visit to Lagos.
The Nigerian military has appreciated the couple’s support, with the sports director, Marquis, stating that the Invictus Games have positively impacted the recovery of soldiers involved in the program.
