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HRH visits Nigeria

29th November 2006

The Prince of Wales today reaffirmed Britain's commitment to help improve the lives of some of Africa's poorest people.

The Prince spoke of the partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria to tackle the west African nation's pressing social, education and health problems as he toured the north of the country.

His Royal Highness is visiting Nigeria on the second leg of a tour of West Africa which included Sierra Leone.

This is The Prince’s third visit to the country on behalf of the UK, with previous visits in March 1990 and May 1999.

The Prince was speaking during a visit to the historic village of Dawakin Kudu which is famous for its traditional ceramics and textiles.

Speaking in the crowded village centre as hundreds of residents looked on, The Prince said: "To maintain these traditional skills and to equip young people to diversify into new areas requiring new skills, communities clearly need a healthy and educated population to drive and maintain economic activity.

"These two qualities are very much at the centre of the practical help which Britain is seeking to give Northern Nigeria."

The Department for International Development (DfID) in the UK has been supporting the country since 1997 and its financial assistance, which in 2001-02 was £20 million, will rise to £100 million in 2007-08.

The money benefits all of Nigeria but there is a greater emphasis in the north which has a more urgent need and DfID has opened an office in Kano in the north of the country, a move which The Prince's visit to the area also marked.

The UK's commitment to the area has seen DfID at work in partnership with UNICEF in supporting a £26 million Girls Education Programme and a £20 million project to provide immunisation for children.

During his address to residents, The Prince spoke of the UK’s commitment to Nigeria.

He said: “DfID has decided to establish a permanent presence in northern Nigeria opening a new office in Kano.

"It gives me the greatest pleasure to commemorate this reinforced partnership which I pray will help you build a brighter, more prosperous future."

The Prince toured the village and watched craftsmen and skilled workers heap piles of clay into pots while others added fine embroidery details to hats and other garments.

His Royal Highness was shown all the stages of the cloth-making process that creates a glittering indigo fabric for which the village is famous.

Aferwards, The Prince visited the Emir of Kano at his Palace and had a discussion with the Emir and members of the Emirate Council.

When he arrived in Nigeria yesterday, His Royal Highness was greeted by The President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and the British High Commissioner, Sir Richard Gozney.

The Prince then attended a state reception hosted by The President at the State House's banqueting hall in Abuja.

The Prince’s tour of Nigeria continues tomorrow.