By John Ikani
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has declared a heartfelt connection to Nigeria.
“Nigeria is my country,” said Megahn who is on a three-day royal visit to the west African nation with her husband Prince Harry.
Meghan’s ancestry discovery, revealed two years ago on her podcast “Archetypes,” indicated a significant Nigerian lineage of 43%.
Visiting Abuja, the capital city, she expressed, “Learning more has been incredibly revealing.”
“The past day has truly resonated,” Meghan continued, referencing comments like, “‘We weren’t surprised you’re Nigerian.'”
She viewed this as a compliment, highlighting the perceived qualities of Nigerian women – bravery, resilience, and beauty.
The audience playfully suggested Nigerian names for the Duchess. “Ifeoma,” meaning “a treasured thing” in Igbo, and “Omowale,” signifying “the child has come home” in Yoruba, were among the options.
Earlier, Prince Harry joined Nigerian athletes for an exhibition sitting volleyball game, showcasing athletic camaraderie.
The couple’s visit served multiple purposes. They encouraged open conversations about mental health during a visit to a school, echoing their ongoing advocacy. Additionally, the trip promoted the Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, which provides sporting opportunities for veterans and wounded military personnel.
This marked the Sussexes’ first return to Africa since 2019, when they undertook official royal visits to South Africa, Malawi, Angola, and Botswana.
Before the Nigerian trip, Harry commemorated the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
His spokesperson explained that scheduling conflicts with his father, the King, prevented a meeting during his time in the UK.
