Reinventing Support for fallen Heroes: The Journey of Nigeria Unconquered Foundation

By Staff Writer

A group of individuals came together and worked to highlight and celebrate fallen heroes. This was done in collaboration with the Defense Headquarters on a project called Tribute to Our Troops (TTOT). At TTOT, these individuals honoured the sacrifices of soldiers who gave their lives in service to their nation. They also celebrated the families and loved ones, acknowledging that they too made significant sacrifices. This was achieved through organised events such as talent shows, road walks, and carnivals to ensure their voices were heard and their sacrifices recognized. The group visited troops on the war front and were deeply moved by the realities of war, witnessing many wounded soldiers in battle.

When the Invictus Games Foundation approached the group, an agreement was reached to honour and assist these brave soldiers. This collaboration led to the establishment of the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation, dedicated to supporting the courageous heroes who have selflessly defended Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Invictus Games were established in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who was inspired after attending the Warrior Games in the USA. This bi-annual sporting event is designed for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, as well as veterans from around the globe. The Invictus Games Foundation is responsible for managing the Invictus Games and the international network of participating nations. The games are designed to establish a supportive community for injured soldiers to find solace and gain inspiration from individuals who can relate to their experiences and struggles. This atmosphere cultivates love and camaraderie, nurturing deep friendships and enduring connections that are crucial in aiding their path towards complete healing.

The Nigeria Unconquered Foundation partners with the Invictus Games Foundation and the Defense Headquarters to deliver adaptive sports programs designed to meet the unique needs of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen/women and veterans. These programs include a variety of activities such as sporting events and physiotherapy sessions to aid in physical recovery, as well as personal and group therapy sessions to support mental well-being. Additionally, family and friends sessions are offered to provide emotional support and community resources, helping to expedite the recovery process. The program for family and friends also aims to assist in the reintegration of individuals back into civilian life, transitioning them from military to civilian life effectively. The foundation provides wounded servicemen and women veterans with opportunities to participate in various sporting activities, such as Para-volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, swimming, Para-table tennis, and Para-powerlifting. Additionally, special consideration is given to address the gender-specific needs of all wounded soldiers, ensuring that women are fully supported and accommodated.

Women veterans often experience increased feelings of rejection, particularly from romantic partners and loved ones who were previously reliant on their domestic support. There have been instances where spouses have left these veterans due to their injuries and perceived inability to fulfil their previous domestic responsibilities. This has unfortunately led to heightened levels of depression among the women in the program. However, the group therapy sessions have proven to be beneficial and healing for them. At the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation, inclusivity is a key aspect of all programs, with team games allowing both genders to participate together. Wounded soldiers are not segregated by gender, but rather by injury categories. This commitment to inclusivity is also observed in the Invictus Games Foundation.

The Foundation strives to promote the inclusion of more women soldiers and veterans who have been wounded, providing them with the necessary support. The Nigeria Unconquered team has observed that many of these individuals may feel ashamed and reluctant to seek help. To address this, the team works with current members to share their stories and experiences, highlighting how participating in sports has aided in their recovery journeys. By showcasing these success stories, the aim is to inspire more women to come forward, overcome any feelings of shame, and access the support they deserve. The foundation’s approach is highly thoughtful and comprehensive. It ensures equal opportunities for both women and men in various aspects such as sports competitions, interview sessions, and other fields. Women veterans are given priority to prevent their exclusion.

Although Nigeria Unconquered only recently started having women in her programs their participation has resulted in significant progress. These female veterans have experienced a transformation, overcoming feelings of shame and becoming more courageous and ambitious. They have been able to accomplish tasks they once thought impossible due to their injuries. At the intervention of the foundation, FS Ifeoma Loveleen was able to overcome her fear of water and learn how to swim for the first time in her life, even after having her leg amputated. She had never swum before, but with guidance and support, she now enjoys swimming and finds it to have a very relaxing effect on her.

FS Gloria Dimka, who initially felt ashamed and struggled with depression after her amputation, has found a new passion in wheelchair basketball through the recovery program. She has since become one of the foundation’s top players in the sport. Gloria no longer hides from the world, as she has been able to overcome her feelings of shame and depression. Instead, she embraces her new circumstances and sees them as opportunities for personal growth and success. Sergeant Ruth Simon, experienced a partial stroke, initially felt overwhelmed by the challenges she faced as a mother, soldier, and woman. Participating in therapy, however, has provided her with a newfound sense of hope. Through consistent physical activity and engagement in sports, she has discovered that her body is capable of healing. Previously reserved and hesitant in social settings, Sergeant Ruth now exudes enthusiasm and joy, particularly in her newfound love for sitting-volleyball, a sport she was introduced to through the Nigeria Unconquered program. Additionally, she is finding fulfilment in swimming, an activity that is aiding her in exercising the parts of her body affected by the stroke.Several successes have been achieved with the women, providing the foundation with motivation to continue pushing forward.

The progress made and impact on the lives of these women and all the soldiers has been significant. Future plans involve participating in efforts to improve access to rehabilitation services tailored to address the specific physical and mental health requirements of women veterans. Also, to establish exchange programs with other countries within the Invictus communities. Creating enhanced support networks that offer peer counselling and mentorship opportunities can greatly assist women veterans in developing resilience and forging connections with individuals who have gone through comparable experiences. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns -It is important to enhance initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness about the challenges encountered by women veterans and advocating for policies that facilitate their transition into civilian life. It is also crucial to work towards ensuring that public buildings are accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.