Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday morning to promote the Invictus Games, an initiative he founded to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick Service members and veterans, including Nigerian soldiers engaged in a 14-year conflict against Islamic extremists.
According to Associated Press (AP) on Friday, the couple, visiting West Africa for the first time at the invitation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, arrived in the capital city of Abuja early in the morning, according to the Ministry of Defence spokesman, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
During their visit, they will meet with wounded soldiers and their families, aiming to boost morale and wellbeing. Nigerian officials have hailed this engagement as a significant opportunity for the recovery of Nigerian soldiers.
Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner, founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to provide wounded veterans and Service members with the challenge of competing in sports events similar to the Paralympics. Nigeria participated in last year’s edition of the games.
During their stay, the couple will attend basketball and volleyball matches and meet with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos that receive their support.
Meghan will also co-host an event on women in leadership with Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to the couple’s spokesman Charlie Gipson.
The news of Meghan’s visit has generated excitement among Nigerians who closely follow her life and association with the British royal family.
The Nigerian military has emphasised the significance of the Invictus Games in aiding the recovery of thousands of personnel who have been fighting Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009.
According to the military’s sports director, Abidemi Marquis, “Eighty per cent of our soldiers that have been involved in this recovery programme are getting better (and) their outlook on life is positive.
“The recovery programme has given them an opportunity to improve their personal self-esteem, to improve their mental health and emotional intelligence.”
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