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

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

The Edo State Government has assured citizens who recently returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks that they will receive the support needed to rebuild their lives through employment opportunities, empowerment programmes and proper reintegration into society.

The assurance was given in Benin City by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, while receiving the returnees on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Welcoming the returnees back to Edo State, Anani described the xenophobic attacks they experienced in South Africa as unfortunate and expressed sympathy over the hardship many of them endured before returning home.

She said the state government recognises the challenges faced by citizens forced to leave another country under difficult circumstances and is committed to helping them start a new chapter in their lives.

According to her, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo places the welfare of Edo people at the centre of its programmes and policies and remains determined to create opportunities that will improve the lives of residents across the state.

She explained that the government’s SHINE Agenda is focused on building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Edo State where citizens have access to quality education, employment opportunities, skills development and economic empowerment.

Anani noted that Governor Okpebholo operates a zero-tolerance policy against crime and is committed to creating an environment where businesses can grow and residents can pursue their ambitions without fear.

She assured the returnees that the state government would not abandon them after their arrival but would work with relevant agencies to ensure their successful reintegration into society.

According to her, the government is putting measures in place to help them settle down, reconnect with their communities and take advantage of opportunities that will enable them to become economically independent.

She disclosed that returnees who possess the required qualifications would be considered for available employment opportunities, while others would benefit from empowerment programmes aimed at helping them establish sustainable means of livelihood.

The Coordinator encouraged the returnees not to lose hope despite their experiences abroad, urging them to remain focused and law-abiding while contributing positively to the development of Edo State.

“There is no place like home. We welcome you back and encourage you to be law-abiding citizens as we work together to develop Edo State,” she said.

Anani also commended the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Dr. Lucky Agazuma, for his dedication to the welfare of migrants and his continued efforts in coordinating the reception, rehabilitation and reintegration of Edo indigenes returning from different parts of the world.

Speaking earlier, Agazuma said Governor Okpebholo had already put the necessary structures in place to ensure that returning migrants are successfully reintegrated into society.

He explained that the government’s intervention goes beyond receiving returnees at the point of arrival, adding that the objective is to restore hope, provide opportunities for self-reliance and enable them to become productive members of their communities.

According to him, the Edo State Migration Agency will continue to work with relevant government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to support returning migrants through programmes that promote economic independence and social inclusion.

Agazuma noted that migration remains a major issue affecting many families in Edo State and stressed the importance of creating opportunities at home to discourage unsafe migration while providing returning migrants with a fresh start.

He said the agency remains committed to implementing programmes that support safe migration, protect the rights of migrants and ensure that returnees receive the guidance and assistance needed to rebuild their lives.

Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Omijie Isinero expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for the warm reception and the support extended to them since their arrival.

He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Office of the First Lady and the Edo State Migration Agency for receiving them with compassion and assuring them that they would not be left to face their challenges alone.

Isinero said the returnees were encouraged by the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for them and pledged that they would make good use of the support provided.

He assured the government that the returnees are ready to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Edo State by engaging in productive ventures and supporting efforts aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous society.

The reception forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader efforts to support citizens returning from difficult situations abroad through structured reintegration, employment opportunities and empowerment programmes designed to help them regain stability and rebuild their lives.

With the latest assurance from the state government, many of the returnees are expected to benefit from initiatives aimed at promoting self-reliance, improving livelihoods and enabling them to become active contributors to the social and economic development of Edo State.