Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced a substantial support package for indigenes returning home after falling victim to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, pledging N1 million to each returnee to help with accommodation and resettlement.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while addressing a group of returnees at the Festival Hall, Edo Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo emphasised that the returnees bring valuable knowledge and skills acquired abroad, which can be harnessed for their personal success and the state’s development. He assured them of additional soft loans once they identify viable business ideas, stressing the government’s commitment to their full reintegration into society.
“Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to kick off, because we want you fully reintegrated into society,” he said. “But for you to arrange your housing, we will give each of you N1 million. Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded.”
The governor reassured the returnees that there is no place like home and that they would not face any form of harassment in Edo.
“There is no place better than home, nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace here. Edo is safe, and Nigeria is safe,” he declared.
Reflecting on historical ties between Nigeria and South Africa, Okpebholo recalled how Nigerians had protected South Africans and their businesses during difficult times, expressing disappointment at the current situation. He promised continued support for Edo citizens in distress anywhere in the world.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Riches Unubun expressed profound gratitude to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for their swift intervention in evacuating them.
He pledged their civic responsibility to support the current administration, urging fellow returnees to collect their voters’ cards so they can contribute to sustaining the positive developments in the state.
The Director General of the Edo Immigration Agency, Mr. Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his compassionate leadership and prompt response to the plight of the returnees.