Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Three-Day Visit to Nigeria
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria. Their itinerary includes meetings with wounded soldiers, visits to local charities, and engagements with officials during this private visit to the West African nation.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Nigeria on Friday for a special three-day visit. During their time in the West African nation, they plan to meet with wounded soldiers and visit local charities, according to officials.
The Sussexes are currently in Nigeria as part of the Invictus community, according to Air Vice-Marshal Abidemi Marquis, director of sports for the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, who shared this information during a media briefing on Thursday.
Their first official engagement took place at a school in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. At the Lightway Academy, students eagerly awaited the arrival of the royal couple, accompanied by a group of dancers. During the event, the couple interacted with students and staff from the GEANCO Foundation, an organization that provides menstrual health products and education to girls and young women throughout the country.
Prince Harry and Meghan were invited by Christopher Musa, the country's top military official, the chief of defense staff.
The duchess, Marquis, mentioned that Meghan was excited to join her husband on the trip, citing her family history and background. In 2022, Meghan shared that she found out she has Nigerian roots, making up 43% of her ancestry through a genealogy test.
The trip to Nigeria sparked a wave of excitement among the public when it was announced two weeks ago.
The pair meet with children during their visit.
The pair meet with children during their visit.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
Oyeyemi Aderibigbe, a 38-year-old lawyer from Lagos, shared with CNN her admiration for Harry's journey of self-expression and authenticity. She also expressed her love for Meghan's character in the 'Suits' series and how she uses her voice for positive impact.
She believes that Harry and Meghan are leveraging their influence to promote equal opportunities and advocate for marginalized communities. Aderibigbe hopes to see them engage with young people in Nigerian politics at an event in the future.
Entrepreneur Ife Durosinmi-Etti expressed her excitement about Meghan coming to a place she truly enjoys and feels welcomed.
She shared, "I was thrilled to learn about her Nigerian roots because Nigerian women are known for being intelligent, strong, and versatile. They pursue their goals with determination, and that's exactly how I perceive her. When I found out, I thought, 'Yes, that's the Nigerian Spirit shining through in her.'"
A busy schedule
The Sussexes are visiting Nigeria together for the first time. Harry made a quick stop in London to attend events celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games before flying to Abuja. The Invictus Games is a sporting event for military personnel and veterans who are wounded, injured, or sick.
Meghan flew in from Los Angeles to join Prince Harry for a packed schedule. They will be visiting a military rehabilitation center and local organizations that support veterans' welfare. The duke will also be playing sitting volleyball with wounded veterans on Saturday.
The royal couple's visit to Nigeria has been described as a private one, so they will not be meeting with President Bola Tinubu. However, they will meet with the governors of Lagos and Kaduna State. The UK's high commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, explained to local media that there won't be a meeting with the Nigerian leader because the visit is in a private capacity, not an official one.
The couple are visiting the country following an invitation from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, which expressed “honor and delight” that they accepted.
The couple are visiting the country following an invitation from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, which expressed “honor and delight” that they accepted.
Sunday Alamba/AP
Profound challenges
Nigeria’s military personnel are facing significant challenges, especially with the ongoing battle against the Boko Haram insurgency that started in 2009. It is important to delve deeper into the specific challenges they are encountering and to inquire about available statistics on the number of personnel who have been injured or killed.
The couple has been invited to visit by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, who are enthusiastic about increasing their participation in the Invictus Games and becoming more involved in the larger Invictus community.
Last year, Nigeria made history by participating in the Invictus Games in Germany, alongside Israel and Colombia. It was the first time an African country took part in the event.
According to Marquis, the Invictus Games recovery program has had a positive impact on the morale of Nigerian soldiers. Nigeria has also shown interest in hosting the games, which are held every two years.
He mentioned that 80% of the soldiers participating in these recovery programs have a more positive outlook on life. They feel that it has helped them boost their self-esteem and mental well-being.
Cpl. Effiom Antigha, who leads Team Nigeria, shared with CNN that the games have brought a new sense of purpose to his life. He expressed that he never imagined being able to participate in sports before, but the Invictus Foundation has supported his physical and mental development.
CNN’s Max Foster and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed from London.
Editor's P/S:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Nigeria has garnered much attention, showcasing their commitment to supporting wounded soldiers and local charities. Their presence in the country, which has faced significant military challenges, highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of those who have served. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, provides a platform for injured veterans to participate in sporting events, fostering a sense of community and promoting recovery.
The couple's visit also underscores the growing awareness of the challenges faced by military personnel, particularly in Nigeria, where the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency has had a profound impact. It is crucial to delve deeper into the specific challenges they encounter, including the number of personnel who have been injured or killed. By shedding light on these issues, the Sussexes' visit can help raise awareness and advocate for the support and resources needed to address them effectively.
