The Defence Headquarters made a significant announcement on Saturday, revealing plans for the construction of the cutting-edge Invictus Centre. This center aims to provide comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The unveiling ceremony took place at a reception honoring the esteemed guests, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, during their private visit to Nigeria. Their visit, extended on the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, was held in Abuja on Saturday.
The Invictus Centre is poised to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to aid in the recovery of wounded soldiers and offer post-traumatic stress remedies to address any trauma they may have endured during operations.
In his address, Prince Harry expressed his emotional connection to the plans for the new Invictus Centre, emphasizing the significance of Nigeria becoming the first African country to join the Invictus community. He commended the Nigerian government for its commitment to supporting the construction of the center, acknowledging the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, conveyed gratitude to the Duke and Duchess for their establishment of the Invictus Games and their concern for wounded heroes. He assured that the government would spare no effort in ensuring the happiness and well-being of the wounded, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to their recovery and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the Minister affirmed the country’s readiness to host the Invictus Games and expressed enthusiasm about continuing discussions to determine the necessary modalities. He provided assurances that the construction of the state-of-the-art Invictus Centre would be expedited to serve its purpose efficiently.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor highlighted the Nigerian Army’s extensive involvement in various operations, resulting in numerous wounded troops. He underscored the army’s commitment to providing ongoing medical and psychosocial support to its wounded personnel, both domestically and internationally.
In a bid to further support the wounded, Maj.-Gen. Akpor announced the approval of N88 million for the procurement of limb prosthetics, showcasing the army’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for its injured soldiers.
