The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry has visited Nigerian Troops who were wounded across various theaters of operations and currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Prince Harry, who was earlier welcomed at Government House by Governor Uba Sani said his visit was to boost the morale of the wounded soldiers.
He stressed the importance of inspiring the spirits of the soldiers and assuring them that their lives are not over.
Prince Harry emphasized the role of sports and support their families received in the rehabilitation of the soldiers.
In his remark , Governor Uba Sani expressed optimism over the visit of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, to Kaduna State.
He said the visit reminded him of another happy event sixty eight years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II, his grandmother, was welcomed to Kaduna on 2nd February, 1956, by the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Governor Sani who commended him for his selfless service to the United Kingdom and humanity, described him as a symbol of courage, perseverance, compassion, and the oneness of 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.
Malam Uba Sani also saluted Prince Harry for his 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”
According to him, Nigeria and the United Kingdom have had long standing relationship which can be traced back when he 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”
The Governor thanked Prince Harry for identifying with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and for his commitment to supporting the Nigerian troops, saying that the visit will definitely lift the spirits the officers , men and women of the Nigerian military.
He said as the Governor of Kaduna State, he has committed himself to the sustenance of the more than a century of this excellent relationship between Kaduna State and the Armed Forces because their are strategic alliance.
“We are grateful for your work towards creating a hub dedicated to the welfare of personnel of our Armed Forces. Your visit is evidence of your commitment to inspiring recovery, supporting rehabilitation, and broadening respect for our brave troops”
Prince Harry who visited the wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, interacted with them in company of top military officers from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
