Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday pledged N41 million to 41 Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, with each returnee set to receive N1 million to secure accommodation and restart their lives.
The governor made the announcement while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City, assuring them that his administration would also provide soft loans to enable them establish businesses and reintegrate into society.
Okpebholo said the financial support would be disbursed within 24 hours, stressing that no Edo indigene should feel abandoned after returning home.
“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 added: “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.”
The governor urged the returnees not to dwell on the property they lost during the attacks but to focus on rebuilding their future, assuring them that the state government would continue to protect and support Edo citizens wherever they may be.
“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 apartheid era, noting that despite the recent xenophobic attacks, Nigerians would not resort to retaliation.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for facilitating their evacuation and providing immediate assistance.
He urged fellow returnees to support the state government’s developmental efforts, saying they were ready to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure the continuity of the administration’s programmes.
Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship across Africa, describing the intervention as timely and compassionate.
