..…Pledges Support for Reintegration
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday received indigenes evacuated from South Africa, pledging government support for their sustainable reintegration.
Speaking at a welcoming and empowerment programme at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Government House, Akure, the governor urged the returnees to turn their experiences into opportunities.
“Look around, look for opportunities, see the needs and meet the needs. That’s how to make money. There are needs everywhere when you look,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa announced that government had approved a token for each returnee to support resettlement. He said profiles would be collected through the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations to aid the process.
The governor stressed that reintegration must include skills development, counselling, entrepreneurship and an enabling environment.
“As long as you are Nigerian, you can live in any part of the country. In South Africa, they don’t want to see you. But there is nowhere we want to send you to. Nigeria has to receive you back,” he added.
Commissioner for Regional Integration, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, commended the governor’s intervention.
According to him, the intervention demonstrates the governor’s “human-centred leadership” and commitment to the welfare and dignity of the people.
The commissioner urged the returnees to utilise the empowerment opportunities provided by government as a foundation for rebuilding their lives and contributing to Ondo State’s development.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Ajibade James Ogunleye appreciated the state government for welcoming and supporting them.
He recounted what he described as harrowing experiences in South Africa, including violent attacks, permit and healthcare difficulties and the loss of businesses and properties.
He said the evacuation exercise eventually gave many of them an opportunity to leave, with some abandoning everything they had built in South Africa to ensure their safety.
The returnee appreciated the Federal Government and Ondo State Government for facilitating their return and providing accommodation and support.
