Xenophobia: Jim Ovia Withdraws From WEF

By Uche Mbah

Reports reaching this Magazine indicate that Jim Ovia, the Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, has withdrawn from all activities at the ongoing World Economic Forum in South Africa.

Although the reason for withdrawal is not stated, it may not be unconnected with the current xenophobic attacks going on in South Africa.

Nigeria has withdrawn from the forum in the wake of the hues and cries following the xenophobic attacks, after recalling the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa. But the duo of Jim Ovia and Oby Ezekwesili of the Bring back Our Girls fame attended the conference. While Ovia was said to have withdrawn, Ezekwesili released a statement on her twitter page explaining why she had to attend.

“Those who  have genuine concerns about my being at @wef in South Africa should please know that my decision to be here was thoroughly considered.

“I am in South Africa leveraging on my ensure that @GovernmentZA never again looks away while our citizens were attacked, maimed and killed.

“My life vision is to always stand for the weaker. This a role I play within and without Nigeria. For me, the next three days in South Africa are programmed to achieve a certain specific action by the @GovernmentZA. Our citizen’s preservation is important to me not noise.”

Unconfirmed reports also indicated that the governors of Kaduna and Ekiti, Nasir el-Rufai and Kayode Fayemi were also there.

In a related development, the chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has released an Aircraft to airlift Nigerians in South Africa who want to avail themselves of the services to return back to the country. This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in a release.

There has been criticisms on the participation of both Ovia and Ezekwesili at the forum, particularly as she was reported to have criticized government slow reaction to the xenophobic activities.