๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ, ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have made headlines by visiting the Nigerian Armed Forces’ Defence Headquarters in Abuja. This trip comes as a significant moment for the couple, marking their first visit to Nigeria since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020. The visit is part of a larger initiative by Prince Harry to champion the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded and injured veterans.
The Nigerian Defense Headquarters expressed their honor and delight for the acceptance of the Duke and Duchess, highlighting the visit’s significance in consolidating Nigeria’s stronghold at the games and the possibility of hosting the event in later years. This visit is also seen as a show of support to improve the morale of Nigerian soldiers, including those fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists in the country’s northeast.
Prince Harry’s visit to Nigeria is particularly notable because Meghan revealed in 2022 that she discovered she is 43% Nigerian from a genealogy test. This personal connection has further sparked interest in their visit among the Nigerian public and media.
During their time in Nigeria, Prince Harry and Meghan will meet with wounded soldiers and participate in various cultural activities. The couple’s visit is expected to boost the morale of Nigerian soldiers and highlight the importance of mental health for young people affected by conflicts.
This visit is part of a broader effort by Prince Harry to promote the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. The Nigerian military has expressed its interest in hosting the games in the future, and this visit could play a significant role in achieving that goal.
As Prince Harry and Meghan continue their journey in Nigeria, they are set to attend basketball and volleyball matches, and meet with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos that are receiving support from them. Their visit is not only a celebration of the Invictus Games but also a testament to their commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of military personnel around the world.[lin