NIGERIA anticipates a significant visit from Prince Harry and Meghan in May, with talks centred around the Invictus Games, a vital initiative spearheaded by the Duke of Sussex to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, a Nigerian defence spokesman, confirmed the news on Sunday, highlighting the importance of the visit for both countries.
‘While the exact arrival date of the Duke of Sussex in Africa remains unspecified, it’s a momentous occasion as Prince Harry shares a deep connection with the continent,’ noted Brig. Gen. Gusau, underlining Harry’s longstanding affinity for Africa.
Prince Harry’s visit to Nigeria is slated to follow a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Last year, Nigeria participated in the games, reflecting the global reach and impact of the initiative, especially in regions grappling with military conflicts like Nigeria’s ongoing battle against Islamic extremists.
Modelled after the Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games, launched by Prince Harry in 2014, offer wounded veterans the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports akin to the Paralympics. Harry’s own experiences as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner during his deployment in Afghanistan in 2012-2013 have fuelled his passion for supporting veterans and promoting their well-being.
The visit to Nigeria will not only involve discussions about the Invictus Games but also feature cultural activities aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Brig. Gen. Gusau emphasised that the visit aims to strengthen Nigeria’s involvement in the games and explore the possibility of hosting the event in subsequent years, underscoring the country’s commitment to supporting its veterans.
In a recent Netflix series focusing on the Invictus Games, Prince Harry candidly discussed his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), revealing the emotional toll of his military service and the unresolved grief over the death of his mother, Princess Diana when he was just 12 years old. His openness about mental health challenges reflects his broader advocacy efforts to break the stigma surrounding PTSD and encourage open dialogue on mental well-being.
As preparations for the royal visit unfold, Nigeria eagerly anticipates welcoming Prince Harry and Meghan, recognizing the potential for collaboration in advancing the noble cause of supporting wounded veterans and promoting resilience through sports.