Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have arrived in Nigeria on Friday to promote the Invictus Games, an initiative he founded to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans, including Nigerian soldiers engaged in a 14-year conflict against Islamic extremists.
According to Associated Press on Friday, the couple, visiting West Africa for the first time at the invitation of the Nigerian military, arrived in Abuja early Friday morning, Defence spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said.
During their visit, they will meet with wounded soldiers and their families, aiming to boost their morale and wellbeing.
NATIONAL ECONOMY reported Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at Nigeria’s DefenCe Headquarters, telling reporters on Thursday, that the engagement with Invictus is giving an opportunity for the recovery of soldiers.
Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to provide wounded veterans and service members with the challenge of competing in sports events similar to the Paralympics. Nigeria participated in last year’s edition of the games.
During their stay, the couple will attend basketball and volleyball matches and meet with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos that receive their support.
Meghan will also co-host an event on women in leadership with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, according to their spokesman Charlie Gipson.
The Nigerian military has emphasized the significance of the Invictus Games in aiding the recovery of thousands of personnel who have been fighting Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009.
The news of Meghan’s visit has generated excitement among Nigerians who closely follow her life and association with the British royal family.