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The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa has commended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle, for their innumerable philanthropic works to society,
especially for injured, sick and traumatised soldiers and war veterans.
She gave the commendatio at the welcome banquet held in their honour by
the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO stated that the kind gesture from them will
empower the wounded soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives to protect
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
laudable but also a testament of our commitment as a country to look
after those who have suffered in one way or the other in the line of
duty to protect our nation”, she said.
The NiDCOM Boss added that this visit would also boost Nigeria’s quest
and interest to host the Invictus Games 2027 and enhance the proposal to
cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria in support of the wounded, injured
and sick war veterans, among others.
In addition, Dabiri-Erewa who learnt that Meghan Markle is 43 percent
Nigerian after having her genealogy (DNA) done in 2022, commended the
Duchess for being an embodiment of 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.
Prince Harry, who is the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation stated
that in the 10 years of the 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.
He expressed his pleasure at Nigeria joining the Invictus Games and
hoped to witness more participation.
Also, the Duke of Sussex is certain that the proposed Invictus Games
Centre in Nigeria will 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,
assured his commitment in collaborating with the Nigerian Armed Forces,
especially with the Centre in Nigeria, which he is enthusiastic about.
He further appreciated the warm hospitality he and his wife had received
since their arrival to Nigeria, while calling on everyone to support and
respect the Armed Forces, especially the injured soldiers.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was delighted that
such a facility will be built in the country adding that this gesture
is apt, given the sacrifices the soldiers have made to defend the
country.
Also, Major General Uche Agbor representing the Chief of Army Staff,
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said that the Nigerian Army will
continually cater to the welfare of its soldiers, especially post-war
and injured ones.
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.
In addition, Hajia Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of the Minister of
Budget and Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said she is pleased at their
visit to help the wounded soldiers.
Bagudu who is an advocate for girl-child education, as well as, cancer
patients, especially for women, noted that this will go a long way to
give hope to the army personnels who were injured in their line of
duty.
Furthermore, the Chief of tDefence Staff added that Nigeria was well
represented at its first participation at the Invictus Games last year
where the
players who despite all odds, excelled greatly, showing that limitation
is of the mind, and everyone can be great in whatever field they find
themselves.
Some of the major highlights were the gift presentations of African
attire by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and another by the Nigerian Army
Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in conjunction with the Defence and
Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) to the Duke and Duchess.
The royal couple arrived in Nigeria on Friday, at the invitation of
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, 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)”. The
Foundation “collaborates to provide opportunities for post-traumatic
growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and
future, beyond injury”.
