Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has welcomed 112 indigenes of the state who recently returned from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting black African migrants.
The returnees, comprising 77 families, were received at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where the state government provided ₦1 million to each family as a seed fund to support their reintegration and help them rebuild their livelihoods.
Represented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah condemned the attacks and assured the returnees that the state government would stand with them as they begin a new chapter.
Mbah acknowledged that many of the returnees may have left behind businesses, properties, investments, friendships and years of work in South Africa, stressing that the government’s responsibility goes beyond simply welcoming them home.
He urged the returnees not to be afraid of starting again, describing the ₦1 million support as a seed intended to assist them in rebuilding rather than compensation for everything they may have lost.
According to the Governor, the state government is also working to connect the returnees with relevant opportunities, programmes and institutions that can support their reintegration.
Mbah encouraged them to bring home the skills, business experiences, ideas, networks and knowledge they acquired abroad and use them to take advantage of opportunities in Enugu.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, technology, enterprise and industry, saying the state is working towards creating a more conducive environment for residents to live, work and invest.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Chidimma Ogbonna expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for the warm reception and financial support, saying, “We feel at home.”
Another returnee, Cosmas Okwor, also thanked the Governor for making them feel accepted, adding that the support had renewed their hope.
The returnees expressed optimism about resettling in Enugu, particularly with what they described as improvements in infrastructure and security across the state.
Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, urged the returnees to pick up the pieces of their lives and embrace new opportunities.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, for their efforts in supporting the safe return of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks.
The Enugu State Government said it is still profiling about 42 additional returnee families in collaboration with NIDCOM.
The development marks the beginning of a planned reintegration process aimed at helping the affected families rebuild their livelihoods and settle back into their home state.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
