Miziara, a small Lebanese village of 6,000 people overlooking the Mediterranean, symbolizes the deep ties between Lebanon and Nigeria. Many from Miziara have emigrated to Nigeria, where the Lebanese community now numbers between 30,000 and 100,000. Many Lebanese-Nigerians, including fourth-generation families, proudly call Nigeria home.

The village’s main street is named after Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara’s most famous son and benefactor. Pierre Daaboul, Deputy Mayor of Miziara, described him as “like a godfather” due to his significant investments in local infrastructure and education. Daaboul adds, “About 80 percent of the village works in Nigeria because they make much more money there.”

Born in Nigeria in 1946 to Lebanese parents, Gilbert Chagoury studied briefly in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he founded The Chagoury Group in 1971. The group is now a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, agribusiness, and hospitality. Notable projects include Eko Hotels and Eko Atlantic City; a massive land reclamation project designed to protect Lagos from coastal erosion.

The Chagoury Group is also building the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a key infrastructure project. While some have questioned the contract awards, government officials highlight the company’s expertise and capacity.

Chagoury’s ties to Nigeria haven’t been without controversy, notably linked to the late General Sani Abacha. He denied wrongdoing, paid fines, and returned funds to Nigeria.

Beyond business, Chagoury is a philanthropist and art lover, honored by the Pope and France for his contributions. His donations include a priceless tapestry to the Louvre and significant COVID-19 relief efforts in Lagos.

Though his roots are in Lebanon, Nigeria is where Gilbert Chagoury has made his mark, building a legacy of business success and cultural connection that bridges two continents.

By: Simbo Olorunfemi
Source: Proshare

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This group forms part of the 4th and 5th evacuation cohorts organized by the Kenyan government.

Upon arrival at JKIA, senior leaders from the State Department welcomed the evacuees, who participated in a first-contact counseling session. The session was facilitated by officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs’s counseling unit. The evacuees shared their experiences before and during the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.

“Another batch of 29 Kenyans from Lebanon arrived this morning and was received by our team at JKIA. We offer counseling and other support services on-site for returning diaspora,” Njogu stated.

The government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and other relevant stakeholders, is continuing efforts to evacuate more Kenyans from Lebanon. Njogu confirmed that additional groups of Kenyans are expected to return in the coming days.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, previously outlined the government’s evacuation plan during a press briefing on October 17. Mudavadi stated that the government has established a committee to monitor the evacuation process and allocated Ksh100 million from the National Treasury to fund the effort.

Mudavadi also expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and urged all Kenyan ambassadors in the region to immediately register Kenyans in their jurisdictions, emphasizing that many do not follow official travel channels or register with the country’s embassy.

Mudavadi issued a stern warning to Kenyans about traveling to conflict zones, highlighting the risks of entering volatile regions. “We would like to discourage Kenyans from traveling to countries experiencing conflict or turmoil. It is not a game out there,” he cautioned.

As the government continues to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens, it remains vigilant about the evolving situation in the Middle East and is committed to bringing more Kenyans home.

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