Royal Visit: The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Touch Down In Nigeria

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria on Friday, embarking on a three-day private journey to the West African nation. Their itinerary includes meetings with wounded soldiers and visits to local charities, officials confirmed.

The Sussexes' visit to Nigeria is significant as it marks the country's inclusion in the Invictus community, according to Air Vice-Marshal Abidemi Marquis, director of sports for the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, speaking during a media briefing on Thursday.

Their first engagement took place at a school in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, where Meghan, addressing the students, expressed, "I see myself in all of you."

Outside the Lightway Academy, students eagerly awaited the royal couple, accompanied by a troupe of dancers. The event marked the commencement of a two-day mental health summit organized by the GEANCO Foundation, which provides support to girls and young women across Nigeria with menstrual health products and education.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Meghan praised the students' dance moves, while Harry engaged with them on the topic of mental health, urging them to support each other.

As they departed, the couple received a traditional wooden mask and a collection of books on Nigerian heritage, sparking Meghan's interest in diving into them.

Invited by the chief of defense staff, Christopher Musa, the highest-ranking military official in Nigeria, Prince Harry and Meghan were formally welcomed to the country at a meeting held at the defense headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, the duke commended Nigeria for recognizing the transformative power of sport in the rehabilitation process for the injured, echoing the sentiments expressed by Marquis.

Meghan's decision to accompany her husband on the visit was influenced by her lineage and heritage, with the duchess revealing in 2022 that she discovered Nigerian ancestry through a genealogy test.

The announcement of the royal couple's visit elicited excitement from the public, with individuals like Oyeyemi Aderibigbe, a Lagos-based lawyer, expressing admiration for Harry's authenticity and Meghan's advocacy efforts.

Entrepreneur Ife Durosinmi-Etti also shared her joy at Meghan's Nigerian heritage, aligning it with the resilience and determination often associated with Nigerian women.

With a packed itinerary, the Sussexes are set to promote Invictus, mental health awareness, and female empowerment during their stay. Their activities include visits to military rehabilitation centers and engagements with local organizations supporting veterans' welfare.

While their visit is private, avoiding official meetings with government officials, they are scheduled to meet with the governors of Lagos and Kaduna State.

Nigeria's military personnel face significant challenges, particularly in combating the Boko Haram insurgency. Prince Harry expressed interest in visiting a hospital supporting military personnel in Kaduna, acknowledging the complexities of the issues discussed with Musa.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters expressed eagerness to further engage with the Invictus Games and the wider Invictus community, reflecting on Nigeria's participation in the recent games and aspirations to host future events.

The Invictus Games recovery program has had a positive impact on Nigerian soldiers, boosting morale and providing opportunities for physical and mental development, as attested by Cpl. Effiom Antigha, captain of Team Nigeria.

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