The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has lauded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Princess Meghan for their philanthropic endeavour towards injured military men and women in Nigeria and globally.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa at the event hosted by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in Abuja, Nigeria, noted that the royals have laid down precedents for others to follow.
She said; “As I sat there watching the testimonies of those who have benefited from the Invictus Games, we can’t all not be inspired by what you have done, we thank you for this. And I hope it inspires all of us to do something for victims of war.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Nigeria for a three day visit to further boost Nigeria’s interest to host the Invictus Games 2027 and enhance the proposal of the Invictus Centre in Nigeria in support of the Injured soldiers.
The Invictus Games, which commemorates its 10th Anniversary this year was founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and Sick service men and women.
Last year, Nigeria became the first African country to take part in the Invictus Games, winning gold and bronze medals.
The visit was also to familiarise the Royal couple with Nigeria’s rich socio-cultural heritage and equally provide a favourable platform for the Duchess of Sussex to explore her Nigeria lineage.
Princess Meghan had said some years back that “her genealogy shows she was 43% Nigeria and was from Kwara state.”
The NiDCOM Chairman at the event presented a complete Yoruba Aso Oke ensemble to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In his speech, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defense Staff and the Defense Minister, noting that “Your reception and energy have been nothing but remarkable.
Sharing a story from his visit to a military rehabilitation centre in Kaduna, he said; “There were two of the 50 that were a little different. They had smiles on their faces. One of them was doing push-ups on his bed. I was intrigued. They knew their life wasn’t defined from the injuries of their past. That is what Invictus is all about and that is what your new centre will be about.”
He also felicitated with families and the nation for the “tragic loss of the brave souls, who’ve lost their lives in recent conflicts in the country. It reminds us of the truth of service and the profound impact of conflict to children, families, and nations. My deepest condolences to all of the families.”
The audience was shown a video of a 3D render of a “state-of-the-art” Invictus Centre authorities hope to build in Abuja, Nigeria.
Earlier in the day, the couple spent time with Nigeria Unconquered, Nigeria’s Invictus Games team and Prince Harry got to play a game of sitting volleyball with them.
After which the duchess co-hosted a Women in Leadership event with the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on leading Nigerian women, moderated by Ebonylife’s MoAbudu.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
