Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday pledged N41 million in immediate financial assistance to Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, promising additional soft loans to help them rebuild their lives.

The governor announced a grant of N1 million to each of the 41 returnees during a reception held at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, describing the intervention as part of the state government’s commitment to supporting citizens in distress.

Okpebholo said the funds, to be disbursed within 24 hours, would enable the returnees to secure accommodation and begin the process of reintegrating into society.

“Your success begins today. Many of you possess valuable knowledge and skills. Once you identify the business or trade you want to pursue, come to us. We will provide soft loans to help you get started because we want you to reintegrate fully into society,” the governor said.

He assured the returnees that they would not be abandoned, stressing that Edo remained a safe and peaceful place to rebuild their lives.

“Between now and tomorrow, each of you will receive N1 million so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace in Edo, and Nigeria is your home,” he added.

The governor urged them to look beyond the losses suffered during the attacks, noting that preserving their lives was more important than any property left behind.

“They may have taken everything you owned, but your life is far more valuable. As a government, we will continue to stand by our people wherever they may be. Whenever they are in distress, we will do everything possible to rescue and support them,” he said.

Okpebholo also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s historic support for the anti-apartheid struggle and urging peaceful coexistence despite the recent attacks.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for facilitating their evacuation and providing immediate support.

He said the returnees were grateful for the governor’s intervention and pledged their support for the state’s development.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his prompt response and commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship abroad.

The returnees were recently evacuated from South Africa following renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The Edo State Government said the relief package forms part of broader efforts to assist them with rehabilitation and economic reintegration.