May 12th 2024.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, recently discovered through a genealogy test that she has Nigerian ancestry. This discovery has been quite humbling for her, especially as she is currently in Nigeria with her husband, Prince Harry, to raise awareness for mental health among wounded soldiers and young girls. During her visit, Meghan has expressed her pride in being able to call Nigeria her country and has been grateful for the opportunity to learn more about her heritage.
At an event focused on women in leadership, Meghan spoke about her newfound connection to Nigeria, stating that she never could have imagined it before. She shared that many people she had met had told her that they were not surprised to find out she had Nigerian roots, as the qualities of a Nigerian woman – bravery, resilience, courage, and beauty – were evident in her. Meghan was moved by this compliment and expressed her admiration for the strong and inspiring Nigerian women she had met.
In October 2022, Meghan had revealed on her podcast that she had found out she was 43% Nigerian through a DNA test. She was ecstatic to share this news with her mother, as being African American, she had always felt disconnected from her lineage and background. Being able to connect with her Nigerian heritage has been an exciting and meaningful experience for both Meghan and her mother.
At the event, Mo Abudu, the anchor and chief executive of EbonyLife media group, asked the audience to suggest a Nigerian name for Meghan. The crowd eagerly shouted out names, with "Ifeoma" and "Omowale" standing out. These names, from the Igbo and Yoruba tribes respectively, hold special meanings, such as "a treasured thing" and "the child has come home." It was heartwarming to see the Nigerian people embrace Meghan and welcome her into their culture.
Meghan also joined a panel of female industry leaders, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian economist and the head of the World Trade Organization, to discuss the importance of mentorship for young women. Okonjo-Iweala, who will be the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, shared her mixed feelings about this achievement. She believes that women should have been in top leadership positions a long time ago and hopes to see a time when being the first woman to do something is no longer a big deal.
During the discussion, Meghan highlighted the importance of women returning to their home countries to mentor and inspire the next generation. She commended Okonjo-Iweala for setting an example by coming back to Nigeria and being a familiar face for young girls to look up to. This sentiment was echoed earlier in the day when Meghan watched as Harry and his Invictus Games team played against the Nigerian military's team in a sitting volleyball game. The team consisted of soldiers who had sustained injuries while fighting against extremists and armed gangs in the country's conflict-torn north.
After the game, Meghan and Harry were surrounded by players, their families, and a group of women who gifted Meghan with a Nigerian fabric. The women, who referred to themselves as "friends and family supporters of Harry and Meghan," expressed their love and support for the royal couple. It was a heartwarming moment that showcased the warmth and hospitality of the Nigerian people.
Overall, Meghan's visit to Nigeria has been a meaningful and eye-opening experience for her. She has been able to connect with her roots and has been inspired by the strong and resilient women she has met. And as a woman of influence, she has used her platform to promote important causes and uplift the voices of Nigerian women.
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