Fresh Wave Of 1,174 Stranded Nigerians Return Home From South Africa

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A sixth batch of 40 Nigerians stranded in South Africa arrived at the Lagos Airport on Friday night, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,174. The returnees came through different flights of Air Peace and Value Jet, as well as a chartered flight.

The returnees were thankful to President Bola Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation. They also appreciated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State provided a one-time grant of ₦1 million each to the returnees, while MTN donated a free SIM pack worth ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 to be paid into the bank accounts of all the returnees.

Also, Edo and Delta state officials announced incentives from their respective state governments to the returnees. JAAL Foundation promised empowerment support for 50 female returnees, while Chibuzor Chinwe, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, provided free accommodation to 52 returnees.

Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church gave ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees, and Cruxstone, a real estate firm, gave cash support to the first set of returnees.

Government agencies, including NEMA, Refugees Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, FAAN, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and security agencies, were on hand to receive and document the returnees.

This brings the total number of returnees to 1,174, with many more expected to return home in the coming weeks and months. The returnees are being provided with various forms of support by state governments and other organizations to help them reintegrate into their communities.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission is working closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth repatriation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa.

The repatriation efforts are a major success story for the Tinubu administration, which has taken a strong stance on the protection of Nigerians abroad. The returnees will be provided with various forms of support to help them reintegrate into their communities.

The repatriation efforts are also a testament to the strength of the Nigerian diaspora community, which is working together to support its members in need.

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