Ondo govt presents cash to S/Africa returnees

Tribune Online
Ondo govt presents cash to S/Africa returnees

As part of efforts to assist and resettle South Africa returnees to the country, Ondo state government on Sunday presented cash gift of N100, 000 each to returnees of state origin.

Speaking while presenting the cheques on behalf of the state government, the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi said the state government will also provide necessary support by providing an enabling environment for them to start a new life.

The state government presented the cash gift to the returnee from South Africa, following the xenophobic attack which led to their relocation to Nigeria from South Africa.

The deputy governor who represented the state governor at the event condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa by South Africans.

He described the attack as unwarranted,  barbaric and condemnable saying such an act should be discouraged by South Africa’s leaders.

The governor said President Muhammadu Buhari has also visited South Africa to condemn the ugly incident, saying the countries are looking into the matter to find a lasting solution to the incident.

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He particularly charged the returnees not to be discouraged by what happened to them, urging them to be ready to start a new life as they returned safely to Nigeria, their fatherland.

He assured them of his administration’s readiness to assist them in settling down in their various communities and ameliorate their present conditions.

Akeredolu who informed them that his administration has provided various windows of opportunities including youths and women empowerment, agricultural, entrepreneurship programmes among several others, advised them to avail themselves with any of them to better their lives.

He also charged the returnees not to be hostile with any foreigners around them so that African countries could be a better place to live for all.

The governor equally appreciated the spirited efforts of the management of Air Peace airline for their kind gesture by conveying the returnees to the country free of charge.

He commended the governor Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, in ensuring the success of the programme.

Earlier,  the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, commended the state governor for the kind gesture and support given to the returnees to ensure they settle down peacefully and happily.

She equally advised them to strive to integrate themselves properly back to society and eschew all forms of crimes.

Speaking on behalf of the returnee,  Jenty Edisemi who described their experience in South Africa as harrowing commended the state government for the support, saying the gesture would go a long way to integrate them back into the society

Ondo govt presents cash to S/Africa returnees
Tribune Online