• Engagements with servicemen, cultural immersion on the agenda
By Emmanuel Babafemi
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have graciously accepted an invitation to journey to Nigeria in May, honouring an invitation from the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, the highest-ranking military official.
On May 8, Harry, aged 39, will attend the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Following this, Meghan, aged 42, will join him in Nigeria.
Their itinerary includes engagements with service members and participation in various cultural activities.
This visit will spotlight Harry’s Invictus Games, which hosted 500 athletes from 21 nations, including Nigeria, at last year’s event in Germany. Nigeria, alongside Colombia and Israel, made their debut at the Invictus Games last year.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, who attended last year’s event, has expressed Nigeria’s willingness to host the games.
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In a statement, Brigadier General Tukur Vusau, Acting Director of Defence Information in Nigeria, remarked, “The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s stronghold at the game and explore the possibility of hosting the event in later years.”
During last year’s Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, Meghan and Harry spent time with the Nigerian team, whom Harry mentioned his wife supported during his opening speech.
Harry jestingly remarked, “Now, I’m not saying we play favourites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year.”
In 2022, Duchess Meghan disclosed on her podcast Archetypes that she discovered she was 43% Nigerian following a genealogy test.
The royal couple captured moments with Team Nigeria and the national flag, with the team presenting them with a plaque from the Chief of Defence, along with a new moniker for Meghan.
The Duchess of Sussex was bestowed the name “Amira Ngozi Lolo,” symbolising royal lineage and blessings. Amira, a warrior princess from legend, embodies courage, while Ngozi signifies blessings and Lolo denotes royal spouse.
