By Bisola Adeyemo
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has pledged ₦1 million to each returnee from the state among the 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa on Thursday.
The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following weeks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed the governor’s support while addressing the evacuees.
“If you are from Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma has already promised support and transferred ₦1 million to each returnee from the state,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She added that the Commission is working with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to encourage other states to provide similar assistance.
Dabiri-Erewa also announced support from the private sector. Telecommunications company MTN will provide cash and airtime to all 258 returnees.
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“We’ve been working with MTN. They are going to transfer ₦100,000 into your accounts, so I hope you all have accounts. They will also provide ₦50,000 worth of airtime for each of you,” she said. “They are giving you starter packs so you can have phones to use when you get home.”
Officials from the National Identity Management Commission were on the ground to register the returnees.
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