Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have arrived in Nigeria to support the Invictus Games initiative, which Prince Harry founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans, including those from Nigeria involved in the ongoing conflict against Islamic extremists.
As reported by the Associated Press on Friday, the royal couple’s visit marks their first trip to West Africa, extended at the invitation of the Nigerian military. Upon their arrival in the capital city of Abuja, they were warmly welcomed by defence spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
During their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan will meet with wounded soldiers and their families, aiming to uplift morale and enhance overall wellbeing. Nigerian officials have lauded this engagement as a significant opportunity for the recovery and support of Nigerian soldiers.
Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, expressed optimism about the impact of the Invictus engagement, highlighting its potential for the rehabilitation of Nigerian soldiers during a press briefing on Thursday.
Prince Harry, a former Apache helicopter copilot gunner who served in Afghanistan, established the Invictus Games in 2014 to provide wounded veterans and service members with the opportunity to compete in sports events akin to the Paralympics. Nigeria’s participation in last year’s edition underscored the global reach and significance of the initiative.
Throughout their visit, the royal couple will attend basketball and volleyball matches, engage with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos, and show support for causes championed by their charitable efforts.
In a notable event, Meghan will co-host a discussion on women in leadership alongside Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, underscoring their commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment.
This visit signifies the ongoing commitment of Prince Harry and Meghan to making a positive impact on global issues, and their dedication to supporting communities in need around the world.
