On May 10, 2024, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria and immediately made their way to a school in the capital city of Abuja for a special visit. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are beginning their inaugural appearance in Nigeria by visiting a school in the area. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a visit to the Lightway Academy with the GEANCO Foundation on May 10. They arrived in Abuja earlier that day before heading to support the foundation’s healthcare and Education initiatives.
Upon arriving at the school, Meghan and Harry were met with warm embraces and a cheerful banner declaring, “Welcome! We are delighted to have you here!” The couple enjoyed a lively show put on by talented singers and dancers from the local community. Meghan enthusiastically applauded a performer who executed a flawless backflip in front of her, exclaiming, Well done! Meghan and Harry’s visit included interactions with school officials and students. Additionally, they presented speeches at the GEANCO Foundation’s Mental Health summit held at Lightway Academy.
Meghan emphasized the importance of self-care.
Furthermore, Meghan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Nigeria and address the audience, emphasizing her belief in their potential. She encouraged the listeners to share their stories openly and honestly, reassuring them that they don’t have to endure challenges alone. Meghan emphasized the importance of self-care, starting with prioritizing mental health through open communication about one’s feelings and thoughts. The couple was welcomed by the CEO of GEANCO before having a meeting with Oprah Adi, the 75-year-old school founder, and her daughter Joyce Agbese, who manages the 200-student school.
Agbese expressed gratitude for the Duke and Duchess’s first visit to Nigeria and commended their foundation’s efforts to empower vulnerable girls. She acknowledged their dedication to helping girls reach their full potential and thanked them for their impactful work. During their visit to the school, Meghan and Harry shared Prince Archie, aged 5, and Princess Lilibet, who is 2, preferred activities with the students. During a visit to a kindergarten, Meghan and Harry were entertained by young children dancing and singing.
Archewell Foundation helps 2,500 girls in areas served by GEANCO.
A 2-year-old girl bravely approached Meghan and shook her hand, but hesitated when it came to Harry. It’s okay to feel shy, Meghan reassured the girl. Meghan introduced Archie, their five-year-old son, to the oldest child in the class. She proudly mentioned, Archie just turned five last week. In a Stem class, a bunch of children proudly displayed their handmade robot cars. Harry inquired about their interest in electronics, to which Meghan mentioned Archie’s love for construction. The students mentioned showing off their creations in class someday, prompting Meghan to suggest returning for the exhibition. Lightway Academy is situated in the bustling centre of Nigeria’s capital, providing education for both boys and girls in nursery, early years, primary, and secondary levels.
In partnership with the GEANCO Foundation, the Archewell Foundation made a generous Donation of school supplies and menstrual products to support young Women in Nigeria last year. In Nigeria, the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship offered by the foundation covers all expenses for tuition, healthcare, and emotional support for young women affected by Terrorism and gender disparity. The Archewell Foundation helps 2,500 girls in areas served by GEANCO by offering menstrual health education, promoting the wellness of girls attending school. In their first official international tour since resigning from their royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Harry travelled to Nigeria.
The couple scheduled to have a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff.
Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official, the Chief of Defence Staff, extended an invitation to the couple to visit the country. After celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in the U.K., Harry’s visit to this location comes shortly after. After their school visit, the couple scheduled to have a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff. Later in the day, Harry is set to visit a military hospital to meet with injured service members. The Duke and Duchess have a busy schedule on Sunday, as they plan to participate in a basketball clinic with Giants of Africa, attend a cultural reception, and support a polo fundraiser for Nigeria called Unconquered.