Prince Harry and Meghan have arrived in Nigeria to show their support for the Invictus Games, an event dedicated to aiding wounded veterans, including Nigerian soldiers who have been engaged in a 14-year battle against extremists.
Invited by the military, the royal couple touched down in Abuja early on Friday, May 10th, according to defense spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau.
The Purposeful Engagement with Wounded Soldiers
Harry and Meghan are scheduled to meet with wounded soldiers and their families, a gesture that Nigerian officials have hailed as a demonstration of solidarity aimed at boosting the soldiers’ morale and well-being.
Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports at Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, emphasized the significance of the Invictus Games in facilitating the recovery of Nigerian soldiers during a briefing with reporters on Thursday.
Prince Harry’s Personal Connection to the Cause
Having served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner, Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The event offers wounded veterans and service members the opportunity to participate in sports events akin to the Paralympics, fostering camaraderie and resilience.
The Couple’s Itinerary in Nigeria
During their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to attend basketball and volleyball matches, as well as engage with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos, which receive their support.
Additionally, Meghan will co-host an event on women in leadership alongside Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as announced by their spokesman Charlie Gipson.
The Excitement in Nigeria
News of Meghan’s visit has generated excitement among Nigerians, who closely follow her life and her association with the British royal family.
The Impact of the Invictus Games
The Nigerian military views the Invictus Games as instrumental in aiding the recovery of thousands of personnel involved in combating homegrown extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, since 2009. The event has contributed significantly to enhancing soldiers’ personal self-esteem, mental health, and emotional intelligence, according to Marquis, the military’s sports director.