The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday, confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have accepted an official invitation to visit the country next month.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters indicated that Prince Harry’s visit will provide a platform to bolster the presence and impact of the Invictus Games in Nigeria.
The Invictus Games, an international adaptive multi-sport event created by Prince Harry, celebrates the resilience, camaraderie, and competitive spirit of wounded, injured, or sick military personnel and veterans.
The DHQ anticipates that Prince Harry’s visit will not only increase awareness and participation in the games within the country but also serve as a catalyst for the empowerment and rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women.
A statement signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau reads: “The Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) has expressed its honour and delight for the acceptance of the Duke of Sussex, His Royal Highness Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan to visit Nigeria in May 2024.
“During their stay in the country, they will be meeting with Service members and will be hosted to arrays of cultural activities.
“It could be recalled that Prince Harry, the Duke or Duchess 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 to rehabilitation.
“The Invictus Games had about 500 participants at the last outing and 21 nations in attendance, including Nigeria which made headway with gold and silver at its first outing last year.
“The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s stronghold at the game and the possibility of hosting the event in later years.
“The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru who was in Germany at last year’s event, has accepted to host the games when granted to Nigeria”.