Metro

We did not refuse evacuation, Nigerians in Lebanon debunk govt’s position

Published

1 month ago

October 8, 2024

The Nigerian community in conflict-hit Lebanon have debunked the position of the federal government that many of its citizens refused to be evacuated from the troubled Gulf State.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, had in a statement on Saturday said only about 500 Nigerians had registered with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, for evacuation out of the country out of over 2,000, with majority of them refusing to be evacuated even as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants intensifies.

“Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the mission; however, there are more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens residing in the country,” Abu-Obe had said.

“Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home despite the persuasion by our embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the ministry spokesman added.

However, President of the Nigerian Community in Lebanon, Roland Aigbovbiosa, has described the claim by the government as untrue and incorrect.”

Aigbovbiosa who spoke to Nigerian journalists on Monday, the 500 Nigerians the ministry was referring to were not those who had registered for evacuation, but those who had been officially profiled by the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon for documentation only.

“As the President of the Nigerian community here, I am confirming to you that this is not true. There are no 500 Nigerians registered for evacuation here,,” Aigbovbiosa said.

“I think the misunderstanding came from something we have been doing. Before now, the Nigerian community and the embassy have been trying to register the Nigerians who are in Lebanon to know those who have legal documents among them and those who do not.

“This exercise has been going on for over two years. There are over 2,000 Nigerians here, but out of this, only a little above 500 of them have come out to register with the embassy just for profiling, and they have been doing that before the war and any other crisis. I think people are mistaking this 500 for the number of people who have registered for evacuation. But that is very untrue and incorrect.”

Aigbovbiosa noted that only 30 Nigerians had registered for evacuation as of Monday afternoon, and there were strong indications that the number would increase in the coming days.

“I told you on Saturday that the people who have registered for evacuation out of the 2,000 Nigerians are just a little above 20. But as we speak, the number has increased to 30.

“I know this because I am one of those who is noting down the names of the people who are ready to go back to Nigeria. I spoke to the embassy this morning.

“About four days ago, we documented fewer than 20 cases. However, as the situation worsens with bombings occurring everywhere, many Nigerians are feeling frightened and considering returning home. I believe this accounts for the current numbers. We are still watching and anticipating that more people will come forward to go back to Nigeria,” he added.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.