The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, met with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on Sunday.
Sanwo-Olu, along with his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and some members of the State Executive Council, welcomed the British Royal couple during a polite visit at Lagos House, Marina.
This information was revealed in a statement released by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, and it was made accessible to PUNCH Online on Sunday.
Prince Harry, accompanied by Meghan, is in Nigeria for a three-day visit to promote the Invictus Games, which he established in 2014. The couple made a brief stop in Lagos on Sunday.
The Invictus Games aim to raise funds and provide support to active military members and veterans in overcoming their physical and mental illnesses, ultimately helping them build a sense of belonging and increased self-esteem.
Following a private meeting with the couple, Sanwo-Olu commended them for their efforts in supporting the nation’s military personnel, particularly regarding mental health.
He mentioned, “We feel privileged to host Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Lagos House, Marina. We are enthusiastic about their ideas and plans, especially in collaboration with the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and his wife, Mrs. Lilian Musa.
“For Prince Harry, this trip to the country has been very interesting and enlightening. He has witnessed a great deal. We hope that he takes away a deeper understanding of the diversity and size of our nation, as well as our ongoing efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence, and the role played by Lagos in this regard.”
The Governor acknowledged that while the couple had visited Kano State, the Federal Capital Territory, and now Lagos, “I’m certain they now have their own impression of Nigeria. We have extended a further invitation for them to return whenever they wish.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the couple for their work on mental health, stating, “Mental health issues are prevalent in our society. We discussed issues such as denial and stigmatization. Additionally, we explored potential opportunities for hosting the Invictus Games, for which Prince Harry is renowned, to showcase true Nigerian competitiveness.”
