Prince Harry, who was warmly received at the Kashim Ibrahim House, by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani said his visit was to further boost the morale of the wounded soldiers, and that hope is not lost.
He said reports he earlier received from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, indicated that the Invictus Games, an initiative of the Prince, brought joy to injured troops from Nigeria.
Prince Harry mentioned that participating in the Invictus Games had a positive impact on the morale of wounded troops, restoring smiles to their faces.
He however stressed the imperative of boosting the spirits of the soldiers and ensuring that despite their injuries, their lives are not over.
He identified the role of sports and the support their families in the rehabilitation of the soldiers.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude for Prince Harry’s visit, recognizing it as a testament to his dedication to inspiring recovery, aiding rehabilitation, and honoring the courageous troops.
According to the Governor, “Your visit reminds us of another happy event 68 years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II, your grandmother, was welcomed to Kaduna on 2nd February 1956, by our revered leader, the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“You are a symbol of courage, perseverance, compassion, and the oneness of humanity. I commend you for your selfless service to the United Kingdom and humanity. You made your mark in the United Kingdom’s Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. Despite your privileged upbringing and position in the Royal Family, you opted to go to the battlefield in the service of your country. You are an inspiration to the youths and an epitome of patriotism.
“I also salute you for your exemplary activism in the area of wildlife conservation, especially in Africa. You also helped found a Charity for children in Lesotho. In sports, you founded the Invictus Games, an international sporting competition for injured and sick veterans and service people. Your life-long pursuit of good causes aligns with my life-long activism for improvement in the conditions of the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in our society.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have had a long-standing relationship. In the forging of Nigeria-British relations, Kaduna hosted some of the most prominent political and administrative officers from colonial times up to the attainment of Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The first British Governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard chose to operate from Kaduna due to its proximity to the Lagos – Kano Railway. Kaduna became the capital of former Northern Nigeria in 1917. To date, Kaduna remains the political and cultural capital of Northern Nigeria.
“From housing the West African Frontier Force during colonial times, Kaduna is now home to the Premier Division of the Nigerian Army, 1 Division, and the Premier Base of the Nigerian Air Force, where you landed. It also houses the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology, and many other notable military institutions.
“I wish to especially thank you for identifying with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and for your commitment to inspiring and supporting our troops. Your visit will lift the spirits of our brave and resilient officers and men and women of the Armed Forces,” the Governor said.
Prince Harry thereafter visited the wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, where he met and interacted with the wounded soldiers in the company of top military officers from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters.
