The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, garnered widespread attention for their recent visit to the commercial hub of Lagos, Nigeria. The royal couple formally announced a collaboration between their Archewell Foundation and the non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, which is focused on harnessing the power of sports to empower young people. The objective of their visit was to commemorate and endorse the impact of sports in uniting communities and dismantling barriers.
During their visit, the couple made a stop at the Ilupeju Senior Grammar School on Lagos Mainland, where they witnessed a basketball practice. Prince Harry even participated in the activities by joining the court for various drills and shooting some hoops. The couple also engaged in street-style dances and were graciously received by the local community.
In a heartfelt gesture, the Archewell Foundation and Giants of Africa revealed their intentions to establish a basketball court in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. This initiative underscores the couple’s commitment to employing sports as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of young individuals.
The President of Giants of Africa, former Toronto Raptors star Masai Ujiri, conveyed his appreciation towards Meghan and extended warm wishes for Mother’s Day. He underscored the organization’s mission of uniting communities and uplifting young people through the transformative power of sports, particularly basketball.
Meghan, attired in a Caroline Herrera button-down shirt and a Nigerian skirt, shared her personal connection to Giants of Africa. She disclosed that she had initially become acquainted with the organization during her residency in Toronto, where she lived for seven years while working on the TV legal drama, Suits. She expressed her delight in being able to contribute to the expansion of the organization and its positive impact on the community.
To culminate their visit to Lagos, the royal couple participated in a reception for a local charity, concluding their trip on a heartwarming note. Despite their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan persist in making significant contributions to various causes and organizations.
The visit of Prince Harry and Meghan to Nigeria serves as a poignant reminder of the substantial role that sports play in uniting communities and creating opportunities for young people. Their collaboration with Giants of Africa and dedication to constructing a basketball court in Abuja exemplifies their steadfast commitment to uplifting and empowering communities through the universal language of sports.