According to sources, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria on Friday and will spend three days there on a private visit. During their stay, they will meet with injured troops and visit local organizations.
During a press conference on Thursday, Air Vice-Marshal Abidemi Marquis, director of sports for the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, stated that the Sussexes are traveling there since the nation is now “part of the Invictus community.”
Meghan said to the pupils at their first engagement, which was held at a school in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria: “I see myself in all of you.”
Students excitedly waited in line outside Lightway Academy to greet the royal couple and their dancers. They were there to launch the GEANCO Foundation’s two-day mental health summit. The foundation provides menstrual health products and education to girls and young women nationwide.
The couple are visiting the country following an invitation from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, which expressed “honor and delight” that they accepted.
Nigeria’s top military officer, Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa, extended an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan to visit. During a meeting on Friday at lunchtime at the defense headquarters in the center of Abuja, he formally welcomed them to Nigeria.
The duke thanked their hosts and praised Nigeria for realizing the value of sports in helping the injured and wounded recover.
You’re not the first nation to realize that it not only saves lives but also transforms them. He remarked, “I will always be indebted to each and every one of you for joining the Invictus movement for Nigeria and for every single soul that has suffered harm in defense of Nigeria’s freedoms.
The duchess was eager to go with her husband because it was “part of her lineage and heritage,” according to Marquis. Meghan disclosed in 2022 that she took a genealogical test and found out she was 43% Nigerian.
When the trip to Nigeria was revealed two weeks ago, it caused a surge of excitement in the general population.
Lawyer Oyeyemi Aderibigbe, 38, of Lagos, said to CNN, “I have observed Harry’s development and pursuit of personal expression… and I adore his audacity in leading a real life. My favorite character from the “Suits” series was Meghan. I adore how much time she has dedicated to sharing her stories honestly and utilizing her voice for good.
There won’t be a meeting with the Nigerian leader, according to UK high commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery, who informed local media that “they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one.”
