Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged N41 million to 41 Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, with each returnee set to receive N1 million to help them secure accommodation and rebuild their lives.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, where he also unveiled plans to provide soft loans to support their reintegration and business development.
Addressing the returnees, Okpebholo assured them that his administration would stand by them as they rebuild their lives after losing their property and livelihoods in South Africa.
“Your success begins today. Many of you possess knowledge and skills in different areas. Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to start with because we want you to fully reintegrate into society,” the governor said.
He further disclosed that each of the 41 returnees would receive N1 million within 24 hours to enable them secure accommodation and avoid being stranded.
“Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded. 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 added.
The governor urged the victims not to dwell on the property they lost during the attacks, stressing that preserving their lives was more important.
“They may have taken everything away from you, but your life is more important than the things they took. As a government, we will continue to support our people wherever they are. If they are in distress, we will rescue them and ensure they do not go through such experiences again,” he said.
Okpebholo also reflected on Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that despite the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, the country would continue to uphold peace and refrain from retaliation.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation from South Africa and providing support upon their return.
He urged fellow returnees to reciprocate the government’s gesture by participating in the democratic process.
“When we leave here, we have the civic responsibility to appreciate what the Edo State Government has done for us. Let them take us to where we can register and collect our voter cards because we want these great things happening in Edo to continue,” Unubun said.
The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his swift intervention, describing the support package as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to protecting Edo citizens facing hardship abroad.
