May 12th 2024.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was filled with a sense of humility as she discovered through a genealogy test that she had Nigerian roots. It was a meaningful moment for her as she visited the West African nation and met with women there.
During her second day in Nigeria, Meghan expressed her gratitude and connection to the country by referring to it as "my country." She also shared her excitement about learning more about her heritage, stating that she never could have imagined the depth of understanding she now has. At an event focused on women in leadership, co-hosted by the Nigerian economist and World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Meghan was touched by the warm reception and compliments she received from the audience.
She was reminded once again of the strength and resilience that Nigerian women possess, and she found it to be a great compliment to be identified as one of them. In fact, during her podcast in October 2022, Meghan had revealed that she was found to be 43% Nigerian through a DNA-based test. She shared that her first instinct was to tell her mother, as being African American meant that she didn't have much knowledge about her lineage. It was a meaningful and exciting discovery for both of them.
The event's host, Mo Abudu, then playfully asked the audience to suggest a Nigerian name for Meghan. Amidst the enthusiastic crowd, someone called out "Ifeoma," which means "a treasured thing" in the Igbo tribe, while another suggested "Omowale," meaning "the child has come home" in the Yoruba tribe.
Meghan also joined a panel of influential women, including Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss the importance of mentorship for young women and the challenges faced by women in leadership positions in Nigeria. When asked about her feelings on becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala shared that while it was a proud moment, she couldn't help but feel that it was long overdue. She expressed her hope for a future where women no longer need to be recognized as the first in their positions and instead, it becomes the norm.
Meghan also spoke about the significance of mentors and the impact they can have on young girls. She highlighted the importance of "returning home" and being a role model for the next generation, using Okonjo-Iweala as an example. "You need to come back home, you need to, at least, be a familiar face for the next generation to say, 'Oh she looks like me and I can be that'," Meghan said.
Earlier in the day, Meghan and Prince Harry attended a sitting volleyball game between his Invictus Games team and the Nigerian military team. Despite their loss, the couple was surrounded by players, their families, and a group of women who gifted Meghan a Nigerian fabric. One member of the group, Peace Adetoro, expressed their love and support for the couple, stating that they were "friends and family supporters" of Harry and Meghan. It was a heartwarming moment for the couple, who were deeply moved by the warm reception from the Nigerian people.
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