Another batch of 15 stranded Nigerian girls has been evacuated from Lebanon. Arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who represented the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, said the evacuation was in fulfilment of the Nigerian government’s promise to ensure no Nigerian is left stranded in Lebanon.
Nwonye said, “I am here on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs who facilitated this return, together with the Ministry of Aviation, Embassy of Nigeria in Beirut, the Lebanese Embassy in Nigeria and the Lebanese community in Nigeria. These are the individuals and institutions that made it possible for you to be here today.
“It is unfortunate the situation you passed through; which is why the Ministries concerned made sure you are here today and we are telling you that you are now home today and nothing will happen to you. Make sure you follow the protocols they advised you on; you know what to do to recover your passports again. You are welcome back home and I wish you journey mercies to your various destinations.”
Nwonye also disclosed that the girls tested negative for COVID-19 before embarking on the journey and would be allowed to go home after 14 days self-isolation, in line with the Federal Government’s guidelines for COVID-19 evacuations. He explained that their passports have been retrieved from them upon arrival and they are expected to collect them back with proof of COVID-19 tests which they are expected to take again once they complete their 14-day self-isolation.
