Xenophobia: Gov Okpebholo Gives Edo Returnees from SA ₦1m Each, Promises Soft Loans for Fresh Start

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced a ₦1 million grant for each Edo indigene evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with the funds aimed at helping the returnees secure accommodation and rebuild their lives.

The governor made the pledge on Monday while receiving the evacuees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.

Okpebholo assured the returnees that the financial support would be paid within 24 hours, stressing that no Edo citizen would be left stranded after returning home.

“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,” the governor declared.

Beyond the immediate financial assistance, Okpebholo also promised to provide soft loans to enable the returnees establish businesses and successfully reintegrate into society.

“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,” he said.

The governor urged the returnees not to dwell on the losses they suffered during the attacks, insisting that preserving their lives was more important than any property left behind.

“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,” he added.

Okpebholo also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that Nigerians had historically stood by South Africans and their businesses, while maintaining that Nigeria would not retaliate despite the xenophobic attacks.

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

He also urged fellow returnees to reciprocate the gesture by participating actively in the state’s democratic process.

“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.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for standing firmly with Edo indigenes facing hardship in other African countries, describing the intervention as timely and compassionate.