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Monday Okpebholo
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has pledged to award N1 million to each Edo State indigene who returned home following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The financial package is aimed at supporting their immediate housing and resettlement needs.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while addressing a group of the evacuated citizens at the Festival Hall in the Edo Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo assured the returnees that their rehabilitation would extend beyond immediate financial relief, promising additional government backing to help them establish businesses using the skills they acquired abroad.
“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,” the governor said.
“But for you to arrange your housing, we will give each of you ₦1 million. Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded.”
Home is Safest
Encouraging the returnees to look forward to the future with hope, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that their lives and safety were the ultimate priority.
“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. South Africa may have taken everything from you, but you have life, which is more important,” he noted.
Reflecting on the historical ties between both nations, the governor pointed out that Nigerians had historically protected South Africans and their businesses during difficult times, expressing disappointment at the recent hostility but affirming that Nigeria would remain a welcoming home.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting and rescuing Edo indigenes in distress anywhere in the world.
Responding on behalf of the evacuated indigenes, Mr. Riches Unubun thanked both the Federal and Edo State governments for their swift response in ensuring their safe evacuation from South Africa.
Unubun added that the returnees were eager to integrate back into civil society and participate in the state’s democratic processes to support the administration’s compassionate governance.
Earlier during the event, the Director General of the Edo Immigration Agency, Mr. Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his empathy and proactive steps in ensuring the returnees were made comfortable upon arrival. (NAN)
