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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.
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“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
