By Helen Udo, Outlook Media ABUJA.
The Defence Headquarters wishes to address and debunk the recent allegations regarding Nigeria Military request for visas to attend Invictus Games in Canada.
Recently, the Nigerian Military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Gamesnin.Vancouver, Canada. Our team, comprising 3 officers and 21 players, including a team physiotherapist, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity. As the only African nation participating in the Games.
A statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau,
Director Defence Information on Sunday in Abuja said The Invictus Games Foundation catered for our team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.
However, despite our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas. Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the Games.
Notwithstanding this setback, our team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver and bronze medals, proudly placing our nation and Africa on the global map of Invictus Games. Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.
It is on record that the Chief of Defence Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people. The Invictus Foundation Centre,(first in Africa) currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel.
We urge the public to disregard the malicious allegations and support the efforts of the Armed Forces to enhance national security and promote the welfare of our servicemen and women especially those who sustained various degree of injuries while protecting our dear nation. The need for accurate information at this time can not be overemphasized.
