From Abdulfatah Babatunde
Philanthropic works of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to society, especially for injured, traumatised soldiers and war veterans, have attracted commendation from Nigeria’s key government functionaries.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora spoke glowingly about Prine Harry and the philanthropic work of his `Invictus Games Foundation’ to wounded soldiers and war veterans.
They gave the commendations at the welcome banquet held in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) organised the reception.
Speaking at the reception, through Maj-Gen. Uche Agbor, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army has had its fair share of negative side-effects of combats.
This, he said, is owing to participation in many internal security operations and peace support operations.
“The Nigerian Army has had a fair share of negative side-effects of combats owning to participation in many internal security operations as well as peace support operations and peacekeeping missions at home and abroad.
“Through the First World War to the Second World War and then we have to prosecute civil war. And today, we are faced with myriads of security challenges of which Nigeria’s Army is at the forefront.
“These foreign and participation of the Nigerian Army in internal security operations have left many of our soldiers and officers either wounded, sick and in some cases, decapitated.
“Through the support of the government and the good people of Nigeria, we have implemented robust medical insurance policies to ensure continued medical and psycho-social support both at home and abroad for these great gentlemen and women,” Lagbaja said.
He thanked the royal couple for choosing Nigeria to build a centre during this historic visit, which he believes will rehabilitate the victims to become the best versions of themselves, irrespective of the present challenge facing them.
Also speaking, the Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian government to the welfare of our wounded and sick soldiers. We are dedicated to their recovery and rehabilitation.
“In this process, we are eager to collaborate closely with the Invictus Games Foundation to extend their gesture to all formations within the Armed Forces in Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Defence understands ongoing sacrifices made by our soldiers in numerous operations against adversaries.
“We want to assure them that the government has robust programmes to support their recovery in the event of injuries.
“Regarding the possibility of hosting Invictus Games in Nigeria, we are enthusiastic about continued discussion to determine the possibility and necessary modalities,” Abubakar said.
NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for their innumerable philanthropic works to society, especially for injured, sick and traumatised soldiers and war veterans.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the kind gesture from them would empower wounded soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives to protect the country.
“The initiative for the proposal to cite Invictus Centre in Nigeria to support these soldiers is not only laudable.
“It is also a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to look after those who have suffered in the line of duty to protect our nation,” she said.
NiDCOM Boss added that the royal visit would also boost Nigeria’s quest and interest in hosting the Invictus Games in 2027.
“It will also enhance the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria to support the wounded, injured and sick war veterans, among others.”
She said it is time for all public-spirited individuals to emulate Prince Harry by doing something to alleviate the sufferings of victims of war.
Dabiri-Erewa further remarked that she learnt that Meghan Markle “is 43 per cent Nigerian after having her genealogy (DNA) done in 2022”.
She commended the Duchess for embodying the Nigerian woman and her activities towards women and girl-child empowerment.
She used the opportunity to welcome the Duchess to Nigeria and extended an invitation to attend the Annual Badagry Door of Return Festival in Lagos.
Responding, Prince Harry, who is the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation recalled that the Nigerian team won gold and bronze medals at their first outing in the 2023 Games, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
“In the last 10 years of Invictus Games, one remarkable moment was to have the Nigerian team win gold and bronze medals at their first outing in the 2023 games held in Düsseldorf, Germany,” Prince Harry said.
He expressed his pleasure at Nigeria joining the Invictus Games and hoped to witness more participation.
The royal visitor was certain that the proposed Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria would bring succour to the injured, sick and traumatised army men and women.
The Duke, who served as a member of the Royal Armed Forces in the UK, gave assurance about his commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Armed Forces. He was enthusiastic about the proposed Invictus GamesCentre in Nigeria.
Prince Harry expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality the Nigerian government accorded him and his wife.
He called on everyone to support and respect the Armed Forces, especially the injured soldiers.
TheNewsZenith reports that major highlights of the reception included gift presentations of African attire by Dabiri-Erewa and another by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) to the Duke and Duchess.
The royal couple arrived in Nigeria on Friday, at the invitation of General Christopher Gwabin Musa. This was following the nation’s maiden appearance at the 2023 Invictus Games, held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Invictus Games Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS).
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