Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, yesterday told the visiting Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, that his visit reminded residents of another happy event 68 years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II was welcomed to Kaduna on February 2, 1956, by the Premier of Northern Nigeria, late Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Governor Sani in his remarks during the courtesy visit at the Government House went down memory lane to say that in the forging of Nigeria – British relations, Kaduna hosted some of the most prominent political and administrative officers from colonial times to the attainment of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
He said the first British governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard, chose to operate from Kaduna due to its proximity to the Lagos – Kano railway, adding that Kaduna became the capital of former Northern Nigeria in 1917 and to date, Kaduna remains the political and cultural capital of Northern Nigeria.
The governor commended Prince Harry for identifying with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and his commitment to inspire and support the Nigeria’s troops, saying; “Your visit will definitely lift the spirits of our brave and resilient officers and men and women of the Armed Forces”
The governor said; “You are a symbol of courage, perseverance, compassion, and the oneness of humanity. I commend you for your selfless service to the United Kingdom and humanity. You made your mark in the United Kingdom’s Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. Despite your privileged upbringing and position in the royal family, you opted to go to the battlefield in the service of your country. You are an inspiration to the youths and an epitome of patriotism.
“Kaduna also occupies a strategic place in the growth and development of the Nigerian military. The West African Frontier Force -WAFF (the precursor of today’s Armed Forces of Nigeria) was transferred to Kaduna in 1913 because it was isolated from other existing towns, and free from local political complications. The movement of the WAFF from Zungeru to Kaduna on 21st February 1913 can thus be said to be the birth of modern Kaduna, and this is why Kaduna State is rightly regarded as the home of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Please give our regards to the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Meghan, who is in Abuja for another event. We are grateful to her and would have been delighted to receive her as well. I thank you for this historic visit. Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city.”
In his response, Prince Harry said he was in Kaduna to visit a hospital and support wounded military personnel, “I am sorry my wife is not here, she is attending other meetings in Abuja.”
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