When Harry and Meghan visit Lagos, Nigerian fashion and dance styles are in the spotlight

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) – Nigerian fashion and traditional dances were on full display Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, as a part of a three-day visit to the country to advertise the mental health of soldiers and empower young people .

The couple, invited to West Africa by the military, were treated to a wide range of dance moves, starting at the Lagos airport, where the band’s acrobatic moves drew each applause and smiles. One of the dancers, who appeared to be younger than 5, exchanged greetings with Harry from above, standing on his strong arms.

Meghan’s white top was matched with traditional Nigerian aso oke, a patterned hand-woven fabric wrapped around the waist and often reserved for special occasions. It was a present from a gaggle of ladies the day before.

The pair visited local charity Giants of Africa, which uses basketball to empower young people. There, they participated in one other round of dancing before announcing a partnership between the organization and its Archewell Foundation.

“What you do here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing,” Harry said of the group. “The power of sport can change lives. It connects people, creates a community and has no barriers, and that is the most important thing.”

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Masai Ujiri, the charity’s president and former NBA star, wished Meghan a glad Mother’s Day and acknowledged how difficult it’s for us “to be away from our children and family to have things like this happen.”

“It shows commitment (and) we really appreciate it,” he told the couple.

Meghan and Harry later attended a fundraiser for Nigerian soldiers wounded fighting Islamic extremists and other armed groups in the conflict-torn north of the country. The event was linked to Harry’s Invictus Games, which Nigeria is trying to prepare in the future.

The couple also visited the Lagos State Government House, where Meghan received one other hand-woven Nigerian fabric.

“We have extended an additional invitation to them so that they can always come back whenever they want,” Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu told reporters.