Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged one million naira to state indigenes fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The financial package aims to shield the weary returnees from homelessness and assist in their immediate resettlement back home.
Addressing the survivors at the Benin City Government House, Okpebholo promised swift disbursement of the funds to prevent further hardship.
The governor assured the displaced citizens that their home state remains a safe haven of peace and security for them.
While acknowledging their deep losses abroad, he emphasized that preserving their lives remains the ultimate victory over their shared tragedy.
He further promised soft loans to help the returnees utilize their diverse skills and fully reintegrate into Nigerian society.
The governor sharply contrasted Nigeria’s peaceful protection of South African businesses with the hostile treatment Nigerians received in return.
Expressing deep gratitude, returnee spokesperson Riches Unubun thanked both federal and state governments for their swift, life-saving evacuation efforts.
Unubun urged his fellow survivors to register for voter cards, hoping to sustain the compassionate governance they experienced today.
Edo Immigration Agency Director General Lucky Agazuma warmly praised the governor for demonstrating profound empathy during this humanitarian crisis.
