The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, touched down at the Nigerian Armed Forces’ Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja on Friday afternoon.
Their arrival at approximately 12:45 pm heralded a significant milestone in the burgeoning relationship between the royal couple and the Nigerian military.
The visit, orchestrated by the military high command, marks a pivotal step towards bolstering support for wounded and injured soldiers and their families within Nigeria.
The couple’s presence at the DHQ follows an invitation extended by the military leadership, stemming from Nigeria’s commendable debut at the 2023 Invictus Games held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Invictus Games, a brainchild of Prince Harry dating back to 2014, serves as an international beacon of hope for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel.
It offers not just a platform for sporting prowess but also extends critical support, recovery pathways, and rehabilitation for those who have served their nations with valor.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, underscored the paramount importance of Prince Harry’s visit.
He emphasized that a staggering 80 percent of Nigeria’s soldiers have participated in the Invictus Games’ recovery program, demonstrating tangible progress in their journey towards healing and rehabilitation.
“The focal point of the visit,” remarked Air Vice Marshal Marquis, “is for the wounded and injured soldiers as a result of our engagement in counterterrorism operations.” He emphasized the transformative impact of Prince Harry’s interaction with Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) military personnel, a gesture.
