Prince Harry and Meghan Advocate for Mental Health Awareness in Nigeria
In a vibrant display of culture and enthusiasm, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were warmly welcomed at a school in Abuja, Nigeria, where they engaged with students on the importance of mental health. The royal couple’s visit to the Lightway Academy, an institution supported by their Archewell Foundation, was part of their broader efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and promote well-being.
Addressing the crowd, Prince Harry emphasized the invisibility of mental health challenges compared to physical injuries, drawing attention to the need for open discussions and self-care. “Every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people,” he remarked, reassuring that acknowledging mental health is not a matter of shame.
Meghan echoed her husband’s sentiments, encouraging the students to speak up and not suffer in silence. She highlighted the significance of addressing mental health concerns and assured the students of their shared experiences by mentioning their son Archie, who recently turned five.
Their engagement extended beyond the classroom as Prince Harry met with wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Kaduna. The visit underscored the couple’s commitment to supporting military personnel, a cause close to Harry’s heart as the founder of the Invictus Games.
The chief of defence staff, Christopher Musa, who extended the invitation to Nigeria, briefed the couple on the challenges faced by the armed forces, including armed criminal gangs, jihadists, and the threat of improvised explosive devices. In response to Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2029 Invictus Games, Harry expressed his support for strengthening ties through such international events.
The royal couple’s visit marks a significant moment for Nigeria as they bring global attention to mental health issues and foster a dialogue that could lead to greater support and understanding within the community.
