The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria announced that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will embark on a week-long visit to Nigeria starting Friday. This visit, at the invitation of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, underscores their interest in Nigeria’s involvement in the Invictus Games and their connection to Meghan’s Nigerian heritage.
During their visit, the royal couple will visit the Light Academy NGO in Abuja and the Nigerian Reference Army Hospital in Kaduna, where wounded soldiers are treated. Additionally, they will meet with the governor of Kaduna State and discuss Nigeria’s potential hosting of the Invictus Games, an event that uses sports to aid the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers and veterans.
The Defence Headquarters stressed the importance of building a state-of-the-art facility for managing wounded soldiers, particularly those affected by post-traumatic stress syndrome due to counterinsurgency operations. The revelation of Meghan’s Nigerian ancestry, confirmed by a recent DNA test showing her to be 13 percent Nigerian, adds significance to their visit.
The visit aims to boost morale among wounded soldiers and promote collaboration between Nigeria and the Invictus Games Foundation. Prince Harry’s involvement is seen as motivational for soldiers, providing them with opportunities for interaction and encouragement.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized the positive impact of sports on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, highlighting plans for an Invictus center in Abuja. The collaboration between Nigeria and the Invictus Games Foundation is expected to further enhance the recovery programs for wounded soldiers.
Overall, the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria signifies a commitment to supporting wounded soldiers and advancing initiatives like the Invictus Games that promote their well-being and rehabilitation. It also highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing the needs of wounded and injured soldiers.