Dabiri-Erewa Applauds Duke And Duchess Of Sussex For The Invictus Games Centre In Nigeria

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has praised the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for their numerous philanthropic efforts in society, particularly for injured, sick and traumatised soldiers and war veterans.

She gave the commendation at the Chief of Defence Staff’s welcome banquet in Abuja.

The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO stated that their kind gesture will empower the wounded soldiers who have given their lives to defend the country.

“The initiative for the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria to support the categories of soldiers mentioned above is not only commendable but also a testament to our commitment as a country to look after those who have suffered in one way or another in the line of duty to protect our nation,” she said.

The NiDCOM CEO also stated that this visit would help Nigeria’s bid to host the Invictus Games 2027, as well as the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria in support of wounded, injured, and sick war veterans.

Furthermore, Dabiri-Erewa, who discovered Meghan Markle’s 43 per cent Nigerian ancestry after having her DNA tested in 2022, praised the Duchess for being an embodiment of the Nigerian woman and for her efforts to empower women and girls.
She took advantage of the opportunity to welcome the Duchess to Nigeria and extend an invitation to attend the Annual Badagry Door of Return Festival in Lagos.

Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, stated that one memorable moment in the Invictus Games’ ten-year history was the Nigerian team’s gold and bronze medals at their first appearance in the 2023 games in Düsseldorf, Germany.

He expressed his delight that Nigeria had entered the Invictus Games and hoped for more participation.

Furthermore, the Duke of Sussex is confident that the proposed Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria will assist injured, sick, and traumatised army personnel.

The Duke, who previously served in the Royal Armed Forces in the United Kingdom, reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Centre in Nigeria, which he is enthusiastic about.

He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his wife had received since arriving in Nigeria and urged everyone to support and respect the Armed Forces, particularly the injured soldiers.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, expressed his delight that such a facility would be built in the country, saying that the gesture is fitting given the sacrifices made by soldiers to defend the country.

Furthermore, Major General Uche Agbor, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, stated that the Nigerian Army will continue to care for its soldiers, particularly those who have been injured or returned from the war.

He thanked the royal couple for choosing Nigeria to build a centre during this historic visit, believing that it would rehabilitate the victims to become the best versions of themselves, regardless of the current challenge they face.

Furthermore, Hajia Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of the Minister of Budget and Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, expressed her satisfaction with their visit to assist the wounded soldiers.

Bagudu, an advocate for girl-child education as well as cancer patients, particularly women, stated that this will go a long way towards providing hope to army personnel injured in the line of duty.

Furthermore, the Chief of Defence Staff added that Nigeria was well represented at its first participation in the Invictus Games last year, where
Players who excelled despite all odds, demonstrating that limitation is only a mental construct and that anyone can be great in any field.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa presented African attire to the Duke and Duchess, as did the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in collaboration with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.

The royal couple arrived in Nigeria on Friday at General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s invitation, following the country’s first appearance at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The Invictus Games Foundation “provides a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women (WIS)”. The Foundation “collaborates to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth, allowing those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity, and future, beyond injury.”