Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged a total of N41 million in financial support for 41 Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, stating that each returnee would receive N1 million within 24 hours to assist with accommodation and immediate resettlement.
Okpebholo also disclosed that the state government would provide soft loans to enable the returnees to establish businesses and reintegrate into society.
“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 assured the returnees that the financial support would be disbursed promptly to prevent them from 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 returnees to focus on rebuilding their lives, stressing that their survival was more important than the property they lost during the attacks.
“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 the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that Nigerians had previously supported South Africans and their businesses, while expressing hope that such incidents would not recur.
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.
He also encouraged fellow returnees to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying they should support the continuity of what he described as positive developments in Edo state.
Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended the governor for his intervention, describing the support as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship abroad.