The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will arrive in Nigeria on Friday, May 10th, 2024, for a three-day private visit.
Their visit comes at the invitation of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), with a primary focus on engaging with wounded soldiers.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), revealed this development on Thursday, shedding light on the purpose of their visit.
Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, is expected to spend three days interacting closely with wounded soldiers and their families, hoping to uplift spirits and provide support in their recovery journey.
“We realized that 80% of our soldiers have been involved in this recovery program, and they are getting better. Their outlook on life is positive,” AVM Marquis emphasized, underscoring the positive impact such engagements have on the soldiers’ well-being.
The royal itinerary includes a visit to the Wuse Light Academy, an institution supported by their non-governmental organization, before meeting Nigeria’s security chief. Additionally, they will make their way to Kaduna State to visit the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, where injured soldiers undergo medical treatment and recovery.
Saturday’s schedule is marked with a symbolic volleyball match between the CDS team and the Duke’s team, aimed at fostering camaraderie and support among the soldiers. Following this, a reception will be hosted, providing an opportunity for interaction with families of wounded soldiers and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service.
On Sunday, Prince Harry and Meghan will pay a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, followed by a visit to a basketball court supported by their NGO. The day will culminate in a basketball exhibition match, showcasing their commitment to supporting community initiatives.
A reception is planned for Sunday evening before the couple returns to Abuja in preparation for their departure on Monday.
The visit is anticipated to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while highlighting the importance of supporting the well-being of armed forces personnel.
