Okpebholo Approves ₦1 Million Each for Edo Returnees Affected by South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced a ₦41 million relief package for 41 Edo indigenes recently evacuated from South Africa after they were displaced by xenophobic attacks.

The intervention, which includes ₦1 million for each returnee, is designed to provide immediate support as they begin rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.

Speaking during a reception for the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City on Monday, Governor Okpebholo said the financial assistance would be disbursed within 24 hours to ensure none of the beneficiaries was left without accommodation or basic necessities.

Read also: Edo Govt Opens Employment, Empowerment Opportunities for South Africa Returnees Affected by Xenophobic Attacks

He explained that beyond the one-off grant, the state government would also provide access to soft loans for those interested in starting businesses or pursuing other productive ventures.

According to the governor, many of the returnees possess valuable skills and experience acquired abroad, which could be channelled into meaningful economic activities with the right support.

He encouraged them to identify viable business opportunities, assuring them that the government was ready to stand behind their efforts to become self-reliant.

“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,” Okpebholo said.

The governor described Edo as a safe and peaceful place where the returnees could confidently begin a new chapter of their lives.

“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.

While acknowledging the emotional and financial losses suffered during the attacks, Okpebholo urged the returnees not to lose hope, stressing that surviving the ordeal was more important than the property they left behind.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Edo citizens wherever they may be, promising that the state government would continue to intervene whenever its people face distress outside the country.

The governor also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that Nigerians had contributed significantly to South Africa’s development over the years. Despite the recent attacks, he said Nigeria remained committed to peaceful coexistence.

Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, Riches Unubun expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government for facilitating their safe return.

He described the governor’s intervention as timely and said the financial support would help many of the beneficiaries regain stability after losing their livelihoods.

Unubun also encouraged fellow returnees to support the state’s development, stating that they were eager to contribute positively to Edo’s future.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for consistently demonstrating concern for Edo indigenes facing challenges in other African countries.

He said the governor’s latest intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of citizens, regardless of where they reside.

The reception marked another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to assist Edo citizens returning from difficult circumstances abroad and support their reintegration into their communities.