Kingsley Ohens reporting
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced a ₦41 million support package for 41 Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with each returnee set to receive ₦1 million to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding their lives.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Edo people, irrespective of where they reside.
Governor Okpebholo said the financial support would be disbursed within 24 hours to ensure that none of the returnees would be left stranded upon their arrival in the state.
“There is no place better than home. Between now and tomorrow, each of you will receive ₦1 million to enable you secure accommodation. Edo is peaceful, Nigeria is safe, and nobody will chase you away from your home,” the governor assured.
Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the governor disclosed that the state government would provide soft loans to interested returnees to enable them establish businesses, leverage their acquired skills and experience, and reintegrate productively into society.
He encouraged the returnees to remain focused on rebuilding their lives, stressing that although they may have lost valuable possessions during the attacks, preserving their lives was of far greater importance.
According to him, the Edo State Government remains committed to standing by its citizens in times of distress and will continue to provide support whenever the need arises.
Governor Okpebholo also reflected on the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that Nigerians had historically supported South Africans during difficult periods and contributed significantly to the growth of their economy. He, however, urged against retaliation, emphasizing the need to uphold peace and mutual respect among African nations.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed profound appreciation to both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government for facilitating their safe evacuation and return to Nigeria.
He also praised Governor Okpebholo for the intervention, describing the support as timely and compassionate. Unubun further stated that the returnees were inspired by the developmental strides of the administration and expressed their willingness to participate actively in the democratic process by registering to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship in other African countries, describing the intervention as another demonstration of a people-centred administration.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, disclosed the governor’s intervention in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the initiative underscores the administration’s resolve to protect the interests of Edo citizens, promote their successful reintegration, and ensure they have the necessary support to rebuild their lives with dignity.
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