Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna received Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in the state on Friday and reiterated his commitment to bringing hope to the weak and vulnerable.

The governor also described Mr Harry as a symbol of courage, perseverance, compassion, and the oneness of humanity.

“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,” said Mr Sani.

He added, “As governor, I have committed myself to bringing hope to the weak and vulnerable.”

The governor commended his visitor for his selfless service to the United Kingdom and humanity, adding that he made a mark in the UK’s Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain.

Mr Sani said, ” 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.”

The governor said Mr Harry’s courtesy visit to Kaduna reminded him of another happy event 68 years ago, when the late Queen Elizabeth II, his grandmother, was welcomed to Kaduna on February 2, 1956, by a revered leader, the premier of Northern Nigeria, late Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He further saluted Mr Harry for his activism in wildlife conservation, especially in Africa, and his help founding a charity for children in Lesotho.

According to him, Nigeria and the UK have had a long-standing relationship. He added that the first British governor of northern Nigeria, Frederick Lugard, chose to operate from Kaduna due to its proximity to the Lagos—Kano rail line.

Mr Sani appreciated the prince for identifying with the Nigerian Armed Forces and his commitment to inspiring and supporting the troops.

Mr Harry paid the visit to Kaduna to check on Nigerian troops who were wounded across the various theatres of operations and are currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.

Mr Harry, welcomed at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House by Mr Sani, said his visit was to further boost the morale of the wounded soldiers and to reassure them that hope was not lost.

He said reports he had earlier received from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, indicated that the ‘Invictus Games’, his initiative, brought joy to the injured troops from Nigeria.

Mr Harry said participating in the games has a positive impact on the morale of the wounded troops, restoring smiles to their faces.

He, however, stressed the imperative of boosting the soldiers’ spirits and ensuring that, despite their injuries, their lives were not over.

(NAN)