Prince Harry visits wounded soldiers in Kaduna
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, on Friday paid a visit to Kaduna to check on Nigerian Troops wounded across various theaters of operations receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
Prince Harry, who was warmly welcomed at the Kashim Ibrahim House by Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, said his visit was to further boost the morale of the wounded soldiers.
He said reports he earlier received from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, indicated 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 emphasised the role of sports and the support their families receive in the rehabilitation of the soldiers.
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 Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (of blessed memory).
“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 Airforce, 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 own life – long activism for improvement in the conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in our society.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have had long standing relationship. In the forging of Nigeria – British relations, Kaduna hosted some of the most prominent political and administrative officers from colonial times 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 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.”
Prince Harry thereafter visited the wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital where he interacted with them in company of top military officers from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters.
