Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured indigenes of the state evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and related challenges that his administration will support their reintegration and help them rebuild their lives.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during an official welcoming and empowerment programme for the returnees held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Addressing the returnees, Aiyedatiwa urged them not to allow their experiences abroad define their future, but rather channel the skills, knowledge and exposure acquired while in South Africa into productive ventures that would benefit them and the state.
He encouraged them to identify opportunities within their communities and embrace legitimate businesses capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.
“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,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the state government had approved financial support for each returnee to assist them in settling down, adding that their biodata would be collected through the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations to facilitate further interventions.
According to him, the reintegration programme reflects the commitment of his administration to ensuring that citizens returning home are given hope, dignity and opportunities to succeed.
He noted that reintegration should extend beyond bringing the returnees back home to include economic empowerment, skills development, counselling and entrepreneurship support.
The governor also urged the returnees to reconnect with their families and local communities as part of efforts to ease their transition back into society.
“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 as citizens of this country. And since you have traced your roots back to Ondo State, we also receive you as our own,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, said the event was organised to reassure the returnees that Ondo State remains a home for all its citizens regardless of where they reside.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for responding swiftly to the plight of the returnees, describing the intervention as a demonstration of compassionate and people-centred leadership.
Akinlosotu urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment opportunities provided by the government and contribute positively to the development of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Ajibade James Ogunleye recounted the difficulties many of them faced in South Africa, including violent attacks, immigration permit challenges, healthcare access issues and the loss of businesses and personal property.
He said the worsening situation forced many of them to abandon investments and livelihoods built over the years in order to safeguard their lives.
Ogunleye expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government for facilitating their evacuation and providing support upon their return.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Dr. Olumide Aserere, thanked stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful reintegration of the returnees.
He particularly commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising the welfare of the affected citizens and ensuring they received the necessary support to begin a new chapter in life.
Among those present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council and other political appointees.