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Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria

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Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

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”.

Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria

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NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

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NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has restated the NGX’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation.

Kwairanga stated this in Lagos on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the closing ceremony in honour of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who visited the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.

He stated that the Nigerian Exchange Group as an organisation remained committed to inclusiveness that drive growth and development at all levels of the NGX’s dealings.

He stated that through such inclusive representation, the NGX has achieved near parity at the board levels of the organisation and was working to improve the representation of female employees down the line.

“As an institution committed to sustainable growth and practices, we recognise the important qualities and values that women bring to the workplace and know that they perform just as well, if not better than men.

“It is a tradition in finance and investment that can be traced to the origins of the banking, finance and investment professions when most of the trade guilds that evolved into those professions were largely composed of men.

“The tradition has persisted for hundreds of years but despite that nomenclature, let me assure you that the investment and securities sector is very welcoming to and open to city gentlemen who are female.

“Women are very well represented at all levels of our industry and I can confide in you that the next President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is going to be a woman,” he said.

Kwairanga stated that the NGX would partner with the Ministry to accelerate progress for women’s rights and improve the lot of female gender across the country.

He commended Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her several bold and innovative initiatives that would have positive impact on women and the country as a whole.

NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

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Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

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Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1 Operation Wirld Stroke deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande general areas on March 23, 2026.

During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralizing one suspect while others fled.

Following a pursuit, four additional suspects were apprehended and are currently in the custody of security forces for further investigation and prosecution.

In a similar development the troops
recovered a vehicle carrying two cows abandoned by suspected cattle rustlers in Uhemba.

The incident occurred at about 0348hrs on March 24, 2026, when the troops responded to intelligence reports of rustling activities in the area.

Upon the arrival of troops, the suspects fled, leaving behind the vehicle and livestock.

The recovered vehicle and cows are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and legal action.

Military continue to urge the public to provide timely information on criminal activities to support ongoing security efforts.

Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

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Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

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Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 12 Brigade have neutralized a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol at Odoape–Adankolo Forest in Kabba/Bunu LGA.

The encounter occurred at about 1400hrs on March 23, 2026, when the patrol team made contact with the fleeing suspect.

Preliminary investigation identified the neutralized individual as a notorious terrorist involved in providing intelligence and targets for kidnappings, as well as participating in cattle rustling and supplying logs to terrorist groups.

The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area.

Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

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