The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan, are embarking on a three-day private visit to Nigeria. Their trip is at the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to meet with wounded soldiers. The visit, from May 10 to May 13, 2024, aims to interact with soldiers participating in the recovery program, particularly those involved in the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured servicemen and women.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis highlighted the positive impact of the Invictus Games on soldiers’ recovery efforts, noting improvements in their mental health, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. He emphasized the importance of supporting wounded soldiers, especially those experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome due to counter-insurgency operations.
As Nigeria is a member of the Invictus community, the royal visit underscores the acceptance of the Nigerian Armed Forces within the international community. The visit also aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration to host an Invictus Games in the future.
During their stay, Prince Harry and Meghan will visit Kaduna and Lagos states, where they will interact with governors and attend various events, including a volleyball match, a reception with families of wounded soldiers, and a charity fundraiser. Meghan will co-host an event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, focusing on women in leadership.
The couple’s visit emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, with Prince Harry encouraging students to openly discuss their mental health. This message resonates with many, including 14-year-old Valeria Offia, who commended the couple for addressing mental health issues and breaking the stigma associated with them.
Overall, Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria signifies their commitment to supporting wounded soldiers and promoting mental health awareness, highlighting their dedication to positive change and authentic engagement with communities.
