Nigeria鈥檚 fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
The couple, invited to the West African nation by its military, were treated to different bouts of dancing, starting from the Lagos airport where a troupe鈥檚 acrobatic moves left both applauding and grinning. One of the dancers, who looked younger than 5 years old, exchanged salutes with Harry from high up in the air, standing on firm shoulders.
Going with Meghan鈥檚 white top was the traditional Nigerian aso oke, a patterned handwoven fabric wrapped around the waist and often reserved for special occasions. It was a gift from a group of women a day earlier.
The couple visited a local charity 鈥� Giants of Africa 鈥� which uses basketball to empower young people. There, they were treated to another round of dancing before unveiling a partnership between the organization and their Archewell Foundation.
鈥淲hat you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing,鈥� Harry said of the group. 鈥淭he power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing.鈥�
Masai Ujiri, the charity鈥檚 president and an ex-NBA star, wished Meghan a happy Mother鈥檚 Day and acknowledged how hard it can be 鈥渇or us to be away from our kids and family to make things like this happen.鈥�
鈥淭o do so shows dedication (and) we truly appreciate it,鈥� he told the couple.
Meghan and Harry later attended a fundraiser for Nigeria鈥檚 soldiers wounded in the country鈥檚 fight against Islamic extremists and other armed groups in the country鈥檚 conflict-battered north. The event was related to Harry鈥檚 Invictus Games, which Nigeria is seeking to host in the future.
The couple were also hosted at the Lagos State Government House, where Meghan received another handwoven Nigerian fabric.
鈥淲e鈥檝e extended an additional invitation to them that they can always come back when they want to,鈥� Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu told reporters.
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Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria.
Chinedu Asadu And Dan Ikpoyi, The Associated Press
