James Sowole in Akure
Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has presented a cash gift of N100, 000 to each of the 20 South African returnees of the state origin as parts of activities to re-settle them in their various communities.
While presenting the cash gift to the returnees, Akeredolu also promised to give necessary support and provide an enabling environment for them to start a new life.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi, condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
He described the unwarranted attacks as barbaric and condemnable which should be discouraged, but charged the returnees not to be discouraged by what had happened to them. Rather they should be ready to start a new life as they returned safely to Nigeria.
He assured them of his administration’s readiness to assist them in settling down in their various communities and ameliorate their present conditions, adding that his administration has provided various windows of opportunities including youths and women empowerment, agricultural, entrepreneurship programmes among several others.
He therefore advised them to avail themselves with any of them to better their lives, charging the returnees not to be hostile with any foreigners around them so that African countries could be a better place for all.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, commended Akeredolu for his kind gesture and support given to the returnees to ensure they settle down peacefully and happily.
She equally admonished them to strive to integrate properly back to the society and eschew all forms of crimes and criminalities.
Speaking at the event some of the returnees including Jenty Edisemi and Sholanke Omolara appreciated the state government for the support, describing their experience in South Africa as hell and very stressful.
