Prince Harry and Meghan discuss mental health during their first trip to Nigeria

On their first visit to the most populous country in Africa, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan began their journey on Friday by attending an inaugural mental health conference at a school in Abuja, Nigeria, that is run by a local non-profit connected to their foundation.

The Chief of Defence Staff extended an invitation to the couple to visit Nigeria.

A non-profit organization called Lightway Academy, which receives funding from their Archewell Foundation, greeted Harry and Meghan with tremendous applause and singers and dancers serenading them.

It was also time to discuss mental health, which is deeply stigmatized in Nigeria’s conservative society.

“It’s unseen, which makes too many people reluctant to discuss it. It’s an invisible thing that exists only in our minds. It’s not the same as having a broken wrist or leg, Harry remarked.

“There is mental wellness for every single individual in this room, regardless of age. Thus, in order to be able to care for others, you must take care of yourself,” Harry stated, emphasizing that “there is no guilt” in doing so.

Meghan congratulated them on being honored to be visiting Nigeria for the first time and urged the students to not suffer in quiet.

“Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about whatever’s coming up for you,” she continued.

The pair went to a kindergarten class as well, and upon meeting the class’s eldest pupil, who was five years old, Meghan exclaimed, “Our son Archie is five.” Last week was his fifth birthday.”