Okpebholo Pledges N41m Support Package For 41 Edo Returnees Evacuated From South Africa 

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a N41 million support package for 41 Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.

The governor announced that each returnee would receive N1 million within 24 hours to enable them secure accommodation, while the state government would also provide soft loans to help them establish businesses and reintegrate into society.

Okpebholo made the announcement on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.

He said the intervention was designed to help the victims rebuild their lives after losing their homes, businesses and other valuables during the attacks.

“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 immediately.

“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.

Okpebholo urged the returnees not to dwell on the losses they suffered, stressing that preserving their lives was more important than any material possessions destroyed or looted 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.

The governor also recalled Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that Nigerians had contributed significantly to the country’s development. He, however, said Nigeria would not respond to the attacks with retaliation.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and federal governments for facilitating their evacuation and safe return.

He also pledged the support of the returnees for the governor’s administration.

“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.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his swift response and continued support for Edo indigenes facing hardship in other African countries, describing the intervention as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.