Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are set to visit Nigeria.
This visit marks the inaugural trip of the royal couple to Nigeria, following Prince Charles and Camilla’s last visit in 2018.
Their visit, scheduled for later in May, is focused on participating in discussions regarding the Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry, is an international multi-sport event first held in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both active and retired.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the royal couple’s visit on its official Facebook page, affirming that preparations are in place for officers and soldiers to welcome them.
“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed its honor and delight at the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan‘s acceptance to visit Nigeria in May 2024.
“The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, who was in Germany at last year’s event, has accepted the invitation to host the games when granted to Nigeria,” the statement read.
The DHQ expressed their honor learning that Prince Harry and Meghan have accepted the invitation.
They emphasized that the visit’s purpose was to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the Invictus Games and explore the potential of hosting the event in the future.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, speaking on behalf of the DHQ, said that during their time in Nigeria, Prince Harry and Meghan will engage with service members and partake in various cultural activities.
However, specific details regarding the locations and dates of their upcoming trip have yet to be disclosed to the public.
The inaugural event was held in London in 2014.
Gusau said the 2023 edition of the Invictus Games, held in Germany, boasted approximately 500 participants and representatives from 21 nations.
Nigeria, notably, achieved significant success with gold and silver medals during its debut participation in 2023.
“It could be recalled that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, founded the Invictus Games, an international multi-sporting event which offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick service men and women.
“It also gives soldiers awareness and recognition in society to support their path in rehabilitation,” the statement read.
‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’, chosen to embody the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and what they can achieve post-injury.
Brigadier Gusau further affirmed Nigeria’s keen interest in hosting the Games in the future.
