CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF ORGANISES RECEPTION FOR THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa organized a reception for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markel, the Duchess of Sussex at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro on the 11 May, 2024.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, which offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women (WIS). The foundation provides opportunities for post-traumatic growth, enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity, and future, beyond injury.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa who has witnessed the positive impact of the Invictus Games Foundation on the wounded soldiers has magnanimously decided to build an Invictus Centre here in Nigeria to assist the wounded soldiers.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Nigeria to visit the wounded soldiers and unveil the Invictus Centre 3D design among other programmes.
Dignitaries present at the reception with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were the Honourable Minister of Defence; Mohammed Abubakar Badaru mni CON, who was the Special Guest of Honour and his wife; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and his wife, Her Excellency, Magajia Badaru Abubakar; the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho G. Musa; representatives of Service Chiefs, Deputy Governor of Jigawa state and his wife, the Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora; Abike Dabiri, the President, Nigerian Airforce Officers Wives Association, Architect Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, senior officers of the Defence Headquarters, DEPOWA members and families of wounded soldiers.
Two soldiers present at the event testified on the positive impact of the Invictus Games Foundation in their lives, noting that it has lifted them out from depression.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General OJ Akpor, the wife of the honourable minister of Budget; Dr Zainab Maikafi Bagudu and the Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora, Abike Dabiri.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in his remarks commended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for introducing the Invictus Games where the Nigerian wounded soldiers participated and won gold and bronze medals at the competition in Germany last year noting that the games brings a sense of fulfilment for the soldiers.
The Honourable Minister of Defence; Mohammed Abubakar Badaru mni CON, thanked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the success of the Invictus Games Foundation and the positive effects on the wounded soldiers and assured that the Nigerian Government is committed to the welfare of the soldiers in all formations of the Armed Forces and looking forward to working closely with the Invictus Games Foundation. He further stated that the Nigerian government looks forward forward to hosting the Invictus Games in Nigeria. The SGOH commended the Chief of Defence Staff for his dedication towards the welfare of wounded soldiers and further thanked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their visit Nigeria and their interest in constructing the state of the art Invictus foundation Centre that will facilitate quick recovery of the wounded soldiers and assured that the centre will be completed expeditiously.
Prince Harry, the Duck of Sussex, thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff for their remarkable hospitality and sent his deepest condolences to families of the tragic event from 181 Amphibious Battalion this year. He appreciated team Nigeria, who performed amicably well at the last Invictus Games in Germany. He noted that it was a privilege for Nigeria to be the first African country to join the Invictus Games. He added that he was elated knowing that the Minister of Defence alongside the Chief of Defence Staff pledged to complete the Invictus Centre.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from the President DEPOWA and group photographs.
