The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Abuja on Friday after taking a British Airways flight which had been delayed because the pilot fell ill, so a replacement had to be arranged quickly.
Upon their arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, they were greeted by Nigerian officials just before 5 am. Subsequently, they were escorted through a side door to a waiting black minibus.
The purpose of their visit, is to promote the Invictus Games and is as a result of Harry’s encounter with the Nigerian team and General Christopher Musa during last year’s competition in Germany. Harry had mentioned Meghan’s support for Team Nigeria, given her heritage from the country.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, a spokesperson for the defense, mentioned that they would rest first. Their initial engagement was scheduled for midday at the Defence Headquarters. Following that, they were set to travel to Kaduna to meet wounded soldiers at a military hospital, and then return to Abuja for further engagements.
The couple’s visit to Nigeria was at the invitation of General Musa. Their itinerary included visiting a school, meeting injured service members at a military hospital, participating in events for the charity organization Nigeria: Unconquered (which collaborates with the Invictus Games), and attending a reception honoring military families.
On Saturday, they were scheduled to attend additional events for Nigeria: Unconquered and a reception hosted by General Musa for military families. Meghan was also slated to co-host an event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from the World Trade Organization.
Their Sunday plans included participating in a basketball clinic, attending a cultural reception, and joining a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.
