The Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR) alongside Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar CON performed a ground-breaking Ceremony of the Invictus Centre for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which marked another significant step in nation's journey towards providing a strength of the armed facility that will aid rehabilitation and comprehensive care for brave men and women, soldiers and veterans who have endured physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
This initiative started when Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa Invited The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria.
The Invictus Centre is a beacon of hope and resilience, dedicated to the rehabilitation of wounded, injured, and sick (WIS) soldiers. This centre aims to reintegrate these brave individuals back into service or society through a comprehensive cycle that includes medical treatment, recovery, and the transformative power of sports.
The ground-breaking Ceremony of the Invictus Centre for the Armed Forces of Nigeria took place today, 31st January 2025 at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri Abuja which, stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to the comprehensive care of soldiers.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, emphasized that the initiative aims at providing strength to the armed facility that will aid rehabilitation as a psychological component of officers, soldiers and veterans of the armed forces of Nigeria.
Babaru noted that soldiers are the pillars of the nation's community and freedom. They face uncomfortable challenges both on international battlefields and here at home. Some return with both visible and invisible scars and many with sacrifices that can develop the nation.
He said in line with the new home agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this centre will give hope and the centre will not only serve as a hope for training but as a place for health and wellness programs so social development through sports among others. He added that sports play a critical role in our society. It unites and empowers individuals as well as pasta, sales of learning at all levels. The centre is the best of the sky in Africa.
The Chief host, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa in his remarks stressed that the military profession is one of the most demanding and perilous careers in the world. He said it requires not only physical strength and technical expertise, but also mental resilience, emotional fortitude, and an unwavering commitment to duty.
"It is therefore essential for societies to recognize and honour their sacrifices, provide adequate support for their physical and mental wellbeing, and ensure its veterans are cared for after service.
"The Invictus Centre is thus designed to offer innovative rehabilitation programs by experts in military medicine and psychology. These programs will focus on holistic recovery; addressing both physical injuries sustained during service as well as mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The centre will therefore serve as a sanctuary where our soldiers and veterans can receive medical treatment and psychological support tailored to their unique medical challenges." he added
The CDS announced that the centre will not operate in isolation but partner with other medical facilities, non-governmental organizations and other international bodies dedicated to veteran affairs. With these partnerships, we will create an environment that promotes understanding, compassion and support for those who have sacrificed so much.
General Musa to personnel, he said; "your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. This centre is a testament to our gratitude and a promise that we will always stand by you, no matter the challenges you face. As we break ground today, let us remember the words of the Invictus poem: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." This centre will embody that spirit, empowering our heroes to take charge of their futures and inspiring generations to come.
"As we perform this groundbreaking ceremony, let it symbolize not just buildings, but a sanctuary of hope, healing, and empowerment for our wounded, injured, and sick personnel" he said
A Representative of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria noted that the Invictus Games Foundation has had a long friendship with Nigeria, starting in 2021, when he was first invited for a fundraising event at IDB Golf Course. "The idea was to scope the potential for Nigeria to join the international community of Invictus, and after two years, we were incredibly pleased and honoured to welcome Nigeria as the first African nation in the Invictus international community.
"We welcomed them to the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, where I had the honour of meeting the Honourable Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar for the first time, who travelled all that way to support the Nigerian team in person. Following the successful Games, in which Nigeria brought home two medals, including a gold in the powerlifting, some strong men here in Nigeria, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were delighted to be invited to Nigeria by our gracious host today, Chief of Defence Staff General Musa. And during that historic visit, it was then that General Musa announced the intention to build the Armed Forces Invictus Centre.
"And here we are today, breaking ground and laying the first brick. This is an important milestone in the journey for improving recovery and rehabilitation for those who serve Nigeria. A journey that the Invictus Games Foundation is pleased to continue to walk with you." he said
He therefore presented an honour coin to the special guest, Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar which according to him, is distributed all over the world to friends of the Invictus movement who have performed greatly to advance the Invictus spirit.
In recognition of the advances made here in Nigeria to support wounded veterans, the Invictus Games Foundation has chosen to put the Nigerian team on the face of the coin.
SpyeTV News reports that the design philosophy of the Invictus Centre embraces the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, integrating traditional architectural forms with modern innovations. The concept of the garden city is central to the design, fostering a deep connection with nature and creating an environment conducive to healing and community building. The strategic placement of green spaces, gardens, and communal areas promotes mental and physical well-being, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Invictus Centre will include a sports complex attached to the clinic which is key to the recovery of the WIS. This will enable them to take part in adaptive sports such as Seated volleyball, Wheelchair basketball, Rowing, Swimming, Powerlifting, Wheelchair Rugby, Archery, Track and Field, Cycling, and Table tennis
These sports help the Wounded In Service (WIS) recover quicker and also bring confidence to newly wounded soldiers who come to the hospital for the first time.
The Invictus Centre at Giri, Nigeria, is designed as a beacon of sustainability, incorporating a range of innovative and eco-friendly initiatives to promote environmental stewardship and enhance the well-being of staff, veterans, their families, and visitors. Designed as a series of interconnected compounds, the Invictus Centre harmoniously blends its new master plan with existing, uncompleted medical facilities, inviting soldiers to embark on a holistic path to recovery.
This revival of the discontinued project and the rebirth and injection of architectural synergy that blends the old and new buildings ensures that as soldiers and their families navigate the healing journey, the open courtyards of the Invictus Centre serve as sanctuaries of peace and reflection through innovative and sustainable approaches.
It will have Legend Entrance/Security Gate house Parking Area Storage & Vehicle Maintenance, Entry Walkway Pavilion, Garden of Hope, Drop off, Administration & Clinic, Family Housing, Children's Play Area, Mental Wellness, Prayer & Meditation Block, rade Winds, Residential: 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Peace Pond with Bridge, Pond Viewing Deck, and Basket Ball Court.
Others are Female Ward, Male Ward, Indoor/Outdoor Gym, Theatre, Peace Garden, Lilypads, Church, Mosque, Officers Hub, Indoor Pool, Healing Walkway Spine, Healing Garden Pockets, Staff Accommodation, Track & Field Sports, Spectator Pavilion, Long Tennis Court, Volleyball Court, Cheering Platform, Archery Range, Riverwalk Pavilion, Peace Farm, Farm Barn
The Invictus Centre Abuja, Nigeria will surely become one of the lasting legacies of the renewed hope agenda. It is expected to be completed in 13 months.
