May 12th 2024.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, recently expressed her amazement and gratitude after discovering through a genealogy test that she has Nigerian roots. During her visit to Nigeria with her husband, Prince Harry, she had the chance to meet with women from the West African nation and learn more about her heritage.
On her second day in Nigeria, Meghan proudly referred to the country as "my country" and shared her excitement about delving deeper into her background. She described the experience as eye-opening and humbling, and was touched by the warm reception she received from the Nigerian people.
At an event on women in leadership, which was co-hosted by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a renowned Nigerian economist and head of the World Trade Organization, Meghan expressed her gratitude for being able to learn more about her Nigerian heritage. She was moved by the compliments she received from the Nigerian community, who described Nigerian women as brave, resilient, courageous, and beautiful.
During the event, Meghan also revealed that she had discovered her Nigerian ancestry through a DNA-based test, which showed that she is 43% Nigerian. Her first reaction upon learning this was to share the news with her mother, as she had always been curious about her lineage and background as an African American.
The audience at the event was asked to suggest a Nigerian name for Meghan, and many enthusiastic responses followed. Some suggested Ifeoma, which is a name from the Igbo tribe meaning "a treasured thing," while others proposed Omowale, a Yoruba name that translates to "the child has come home."
Meghan also joined a panel of female industry leaders, including Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss the importance of mentorship for young women and the challenges faced by women in leadership positions in Nigeria. Okonjo-Iweala, who is the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, expressed mixed feelings about being the first woman in such a position, stating that there should have been more women in top leadership roles already.
The importance of mentorship was emphasized by Meghan, who encouraged successful women to "return home" and serve as role models for the next generation. She cited Okonjo-Iweala as an example, highlighting the impact that seeing someone who looks like them in a top leadership position can have on young girls.
Earlier in the day, Meghan watched as Harry and his Invictus Games team competed against the Nigerian military's team in a sitting volleyball game. Despite their loss, Meghan was proud to support her husband and the soldiers who were recovering from injuries sustained in the country's fight against extremism and armed gangs.
After the game, Meghan and Harry were greeted by a group of women who gifted Meghan with a Nigerian fabric. The women, who described themselves as friends and family supporters of the royal couple, expressed their love and admiration for the couple.
Meghan's visit to Nigeria was a memorable and meaningful experience, as she not only discovered more about her heritage but also had the opportunity to connect with the Nigerian people and promote important causes such as mental health and mentorship for young women.
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