As part of their 9-day tour of Africa, Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Nigeria.
They will attend an arts festival at the British Council to celebrate country’s thriving art scene and the 75thanniversary of the British Council in Nigeria.
The visit, which is at the request and on behalf of the British government, will also include the Gambia and Ghana.
Nigeria and the U.K. are strong Commonwealth partners with a shared interest in developing a prosperous Nigeria.
During the visit, the visiting prince and Duchess will meet with youths as well as traditional leaders, the business community, the armed forces, and people from the arts, fashion and charitable sector.
The visit will highlight key themes in the relationship between Nigeria and Britain, including the importance of the Commonwealth ties; youth opportunity; business and entrepreneurship; educating women and girls; literacy; defence co-operation; and religious and cultural diversity and opportunities for closer cooperation between the Nigerian and UK artistes in music, art, cinema, and fashion.”
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, said of the visit: “I look forward to welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to experience the richness and diversity of Nigeria and to help promote British investment in youth, jobs and equal opportunities in Nigeria. The historic links between the Royal family and Nigeria is something we can all celebrate. “
Upon arrival in Abuja, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
During their visit to Nigeria, Their Royal Highnesses will undertake a series of engagements in Abuja and Lagos.
In Lagos, the Prince will visit naval berths and join a business event focused on business and environmental sustainability.
In all three nations they will be visiting, Their Royal Highnesses will take part in commemorative events to acknowledge the sacrifice made by Gambian, Ghanaian and Nigerian soldiers during the First and Second World Wars and in more recent times, during international peacekeeping missions.
The visit will celebrate The Gambia’s re-entry into the Commonwealth in February this year and Ghana, the first majority-ruled African country to join the Commonwealth.
The Prince of Wales has made three previous official visits to Nigeria (March 1990, May 1999 and November 2006). This will be The Duchess of Cornwall’s first visit to Nigeria.