ABUJA, Nigeria. Royalty is set to grace Nigeria’s shores this May as Prince Harry and his wife Meghan prepare for discussions surrounding the Invictus Games, a noble endeavor aimed at aiding the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. This announcement came from a Nigerian defense official on Sunday.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Nigerian defense, revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be embarking on this significant journey to Africa, a region Harry has long held close to his heart. While the exact arrival date remains unspecified, it is anticipated that Harry will undertake the trip following a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the games.
Nigeria, a nation deeply involved in combating Islamic extremists in its northeast since 2009, was among the countries that participated in last year’s Invictus Games. Modeled after the esteemed Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry in 2014, offering wounded veterans the opportunity to compete in sports events akin to the Paralympics.
With personal experience as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner during his service in Afghanistan in 2012-2013, Harry has been a staunch advocate for veterans in need of support. His upcoming visit to Nigeria is slated to encompass a blend of cultural activities and strategic discussions aimed at solidifying Nigeria’s presence within the games and exploring the prospect of hosting future editions.
In a recent Netflix series dedicated to the Invictus Games, Harry candidly shared his struggles with the aftermath of military service, particularly grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He revealed how his return from Afghanistan stirred emotions long suppressed since the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was a mere 12 years old. The prince lamented the lack of support upon his return and the pervasive silence surrounding the impact of Diana’s passing, a topic that had remained largely unaddressed within the royal family.
As preparations for this significant visit unfold, anticipation builds for the fruitful discussions and cultural exchanges that will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the Invictus Games and strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
