The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has applauded the Armed Forces for the Invictus Centre initiative aimed at providing a state-of-the-art facility that will aid rehabilitation and psychological recovery of the wounded, injured, sick officers, soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Defence Minister made this known during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Armed Forces Invictus Centre at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Badaru said that “Our soldiers are the pillars of our nation’s security and freedom. They face unimaginable challenges both on international battlefields and here at home.”
According to him, as they gather to mark a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of servicemen and development of sports and recreation in Nigeria at this groundbreaking ceremony of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Invictus Sports Centre, it is not just breaking ground for building, they are laying the foundation for hope, dreams, future healings and restoration as well.”
He noted that sports play a critical role in our society, it unites and empowers individuals as well as fosters a sense of belonging at all levels.
“The centre is the best of its kind in Africa. Some return with both visible and invisible scars and many with sacrifices that cannot be measured,” he added.
According to him, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the centre will give hope for recovery and reintegration of Nigeria’s gallant troops.
He added this centre will not only serve as a hub for training but as a place for health and wellness programs, social development through sports among others.
“As we begin this construction, let us remember that this centre represents not just bricks and mortar but the aspiration of our people. It signifies our resilience, dedication and our unwavering belief in the potential of our dear nation,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa says the Invictus Center is designed to offer innovative rehabilitation programs for experts in military medicine and psychology.
The Defence Chief said that these programs will focus on holistic recovery, addressing both physical injuries sustained during service as well as mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
General Musa noted that the center will serve as a sanctuary where soldiers and veterans can receive medical treatment and psychological support tailored to their unique medical challenges.
He noted that the military profession is one of the most demanding and perilous careers in the world.
“It requires not only physical strength and technical expertise but also mental resilience, emotional fortitude and unwavering commitment to duty. It is therefore essential for our societies to recognize and honor their sacrifices to provide adequate support for their physical and mental well-being and ensure its veterans are cared for after service.
“The choice of this location took cognizance of the strategic disposition of existing landmarks including the presence of military facilities, sufficient space for future expansion and proximity to the airport,” he added.
Also, the Founder of the Invictus Games, Duke Prince Harry, represented by David Wiseman stressed that the Invictus Games Foundation has had a long friendship with Nigeria, starting in 2021, when he was first invited for a fundraising event at IBB Golf Course.
He said “the idea was to scope the potential for Nigeria to join the international community of Invictus, and after two years, they were incredibly pleased and honoured to welcome Nigeria as the first African nation in the Invictus international community”.
He noted that the in initiative is an important milestone in the journey for improving recovery and rehabilitation for those who serve Nigeria.
He said “next week, we will be ecstatic to welcome 23 nations to Vancouver for the next iteration of the Invictus Games”.
The Project Manager, Engineer Haruna Gimba said “today’s groundbreaking ceremony is not just the commencement of a construction project, it is the beginning of a transformative journey that will provide world-class medical, rehabilitative and recovery facilities for our brave men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to the defence of our great nation.”
According to him, the Armed Forces Invictus Centre, the first of its kind in Africa, is designed to be a state-of-the-earth rehabilitation and sports facility, offering comprehensive care for injured service members and veterans and reintegrating them into active service or into civil life.
“Located in Giri, Nigeria, the Invictus Centre will serve as a beacon of sustainability, incorporating a range of innovative and eco-friendly initiatives to promote environmental stewardship and enhance the well-being of veterans, staff and visitors,” he said.
The Invictus Centre will be built to international standards, integrating cutting-edge medical technologies, therapy units, research facilities, recreational spaces, all designed to aid holistic healing and reintegration.
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