News
FG Prepares to Evacuate Citizens from Lebanon Amid Rising Conflict
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that, so far, there have been no reported fatalities among its citizens in Lebanon despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
As Israel intensifies its airstrikes across Lebanon, the Nigerian government is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its nationals in the region.
In a statement released on Saturday, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon is actively engaged in efforts to protect Nigerian citizens caught in the turmoil.
The government emphasized its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its nationals during this challenging time.
“The Federal Government has initiated preparations for the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon.
Importantly, we are pleased to report that no Nigerian life has been lost since the onset of the conflict,” the statement affirmed.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised its citizens in Lebanon to consider voluntary evacuation, emphasizing that commercial flights remain operational for those looking to leave.
For those in southern Lebanon, where hostilities have been particularly fierce, the Nigerian Embassy has facilitated relocations to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the assistance of community leaders.
This initiative aims to ensure that Nigerians are in secure locations as the situation develops.
The Nigerian government also reassured its citizens that it remains in constant communication with relevant stakeholders, emphasizing its dedication to the safe return of all nationals from the conflict zone.
This announcement comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates dramatically, marked by increased Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds throughout Lebanon, alongside ground operations near the border.
The violence, which has persisted for nearly a year, has now escalated into full-scale warfare, prompting urgent actions from governments around the world to safeguard their citizens in the region.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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