Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced a N1 million resettlement grant for each Edo indigene 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, saying the financial support was intended to help them secure accommodation and rebuild their lives.
Okpebholo said many of the returnees possessed valuable skills and knowledge that could enable them to become self-reliant, assuring them of the state government’s continued support.
“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 to be fully reintegrated into society,” he said.
“But to enable you arrange your accommodation, each of you will receive N1 million between now and tomorrow so that you will not be stranded.”
The governor urged the returnees to see Edo as a safe haven, assuring them that they would receive the support needed to start afresh.
“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 still have your lives, and that is more important.
“We will continue to support our people wherever they are. If they are in distress, we will rescue them and ensure they do not suffer such an experience again,” he added.
Okpebholo also reflected on the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that Nigerians had, over the years, protected South Africans and their businesses, adding that Nigerians would not retaliate with similar actions.
The Director General of the Edo Immigration Agency, Mr Lucky Agazuma, commended Okpebholo for showing compassion to the returnees.
