PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, wrapped up their impactful 3-day visit to Nigeria on Sunday, emphasising the importance of global support for wounded servicemen in one of Africa’s largest nations.
The royal couple’s visit, which commenced on Friday, aimed to promote the Invictus Games, an initiative spearheaded by Prince Harry to garner international backing for troops and veterans wounded in action.
During a courtesy visit to the governor of northwest Kaduna State, Uba Sani, Prince Harry expressed his commitment to uplifting the spirits of wounded servicemen. He stated, ‘My visit is to uplift their spirit and boost their morale despite the fact that they have laid down their lives.’
Ahead of this meeting, Prince Harry visited wounded troops at a military referral hospital in Kaduna, a region frequently plagued by terrorist, bandit, and armed gang attacks. The presence of Nigerian forces conducting a special military operation in the state underscored the gravity of the situation.
Moses Abiimaje, a defence journalist covering the royal couple’s visit to Kaduna, highlighted the potential global impact of their historic visit. ‘Most Nigerians hope that it will culminate in global support for wounded-in-action military personnel, those who have paid the supreme price, and veterans who fought to ensure we have peace not only in Nigeria but in Africa,’ he expressed to Anadolu.
On Saturday, Prince Harry engaged in a volleyball match with injured soldiers, organized by Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, Team CDS. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Nigerian defence chief, lauded the visit as inspiring, remarking, ‘It shows a lot of people show concern about what is happening in our country and the sacrifice our troops are making to provide security to Nigerians.’
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle participated in an event in the capital Abuja, dedicated to the families of military personnel. There, she immersed herself in traditional dances and African cultural displays, reflecting on the significance of her visit. Meghan expressed, ‘It has been an eye-opening experience, having earlier suggested I found my roots in Nigeria.’
Additionally, the Duchess of Sussex attended a forum on women in leadership, co-hosted by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, head of the World Trade Organisation, in Abuja. This engagement further underscored the couple’s advocacy for broader societal issues beyond military support.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria symbolises their commitment to raising awareness and fostering global solidarity for wounded servicemen and veterans, amplifying their efforts through the platform of the Invictus Games.
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