Touchaheart – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrived in Nigeria on Friday to champion the Invictus Games, an initiative supporting the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans.
The couple’s visit, their first to West Africa, comes at the invitation of the Nigerian military.
Supporting Wounded Soldiers
During their stay, Prince Harry and Meghan will meet with wounded soldiers and their families, aiming to boost morale and wellbeing.
Nigerian officials have hailed this engagement as a significant opportunity for the recovery of Nigerian soldiers, who have been fighting Boko Haram Islamic extremists since 2009.
READ MORE:
Prince Harry and Meghan to Arrive Nigeria on Friday
Invictus Games: A Beacon of Hope
Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games 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, and the games have aided the recovery of thousands of personnel.
Engagements and Events
– Basketball and volleyball matches
– Meeting with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos
– Meghan co-hosting an event on women in leadership with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization
Impact and Significance
The Invictus Games have improved the outlook on life for 80% of soldiers involved in the recovery programme, boosting their personal self-esteem, mental health, and emotional intelligence.
The Nigerian military has emphasized the significance of the games in aiding the recovery of personnel.