Meghan Markle visited Nigeria on a humanitarian tour, and even weeks after the visit, she continues to use flattering publications to highlight her experience.
According to reports, Meghan Markle is already planning another trip to Nigeria. She wrote a letter to a Nigerian king to express her gratitude for the country's hospitality during her recent visit. In the letter, she shared her appreciation for the opportunity to understand her heritage after discovering through a DNA test that she has 43% Nigerian ancestry.
"Your Imperial Majesty, thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria. Our visit was significant for many reasons, not least because it allowed us to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children. We look forward to coming back home one day," she wrote.
The Aluu of Iso Oba, Abuid Aki, received Meghan's letter, which seemed to be part of her efforts to maintain a positive public image. As highlighted by Aaron Vander in Vanity Fair, Meghan Markle often emphasizes her connection to Nigeria to enhance her image. During a trip with Prince Harry, they ostensibly supported various charitable projects, though it appeared these events were primarily backdrops for her appearances. They experienced Nigerian culture, including dance, music, and traditional beaded necklaces. In 2022, she claimed a DNA test revealed she was 43% Nigerian, although this test has not been publicly verified. She has since embraced the culture, albeit superficially.
During their visit, Meghan and Harry were accompanied by Afan Oma, co-founder of the Giang YKO Foundation. He noted that both Harry and Meghan were impressed by Nigeria. The Vanity Fair article states that they were there to celebrate Meghan's connection to Nigeria, with Meghan stating that she felt like she was coming home, using this narrative to further her image. According to Afan, they sparked interest among pupils in Nigeria who still ask questions about mental health a month after the visit. The charity boss insisted it wasn't just a photo op, though skeptics suggest otherwise.
Meghan's connection with the Giang YKO Foundation is notable, especially since it partners with the Archewell Foundation. During the first day of their three-day tour, the couple addressed pupils about mental health and well-being. Prince Harry emphasized that everyone has mental health, encouraging pupils to notice changes in their peers that might indicate someone is struggling mentally. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Afan stated that the pupils continue to discuss the couple's message, insisting the work was not just for show.
Actor David Oyelowo, one of the Giang YKO Foundation's early celebrity supporters, has been fully committed to the cause since the 2014 Bring Back Our Girls campaign. In contrast, Meghan Markle's involvement appears more self-promotional. Despite Nigeria's ongoing struggles, such as the recent National Grid shutdown and economic hardships, she remains focused on her image. While millions of Nigerians face electricity shortages and a high cost of living, Meghan hosted a private birthday party without addressing these issues, highlighting her hypocrisy as she continues to exploit these situations without making any real contribution.
