Okpebholo Gives ₦41 Million to Edo Indigenes Evacuated from South Africa

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced a ₦41 million support package for Edo indigenes recently evacuated from South Africa, saying the funds are intended to help them secure accommodation and rebuild their lives after returning home.

The governor made the announcement in Benin City while receiving the returnees, assuring them that his administration would also provide soft loans to enable them establish businesses and successfully reintegrate into society.

Okpebholo said the state government was committed to ensuring that the returnees were not left stranded and would receive the support needed to begin a new chapter of their lives.

"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 assistance 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.

The governor also expressed sympathy over the ordeal the returnees experienced in South Africa, saying their safe return was more important than any property they may have lost.

"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," Okpebholo said.

He further stated that despite the attacks reportedly suffered by some Nigerians in South Africa, Nigerians would not resort to retaliation.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation and thanked the Edo State Government for its support.

"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," he said.