By Faith Eze
Federal Government Praises RCCG for Donating $265,854 to Bring Home 500 Stranded Nigerians
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly expressed deep gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for a major financial contribution toward rescuing citizens in distress. The church, led by General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, donated a total of $265,854 to fund the evacuation of 500 stranded Nigerians from South Africa.
A Crucial Lifeline for Stranded Citizens
According to an official statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the funds donated by the church will be used specifically to purchase 500 one-way flight tickets. This generous intervention comes at a critical time when many Nigerians living in South Africa are seeking a safe return home due to recent outbreaks of xenophobic hostility.
A Crucial Lifeline for Stranded Citizens
According to an official statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the funds donated by the church will be used specifically to purchase 500 one-way flight tickets. This generous intervention comes at a critical time when many Nigerians living in South Africa are seeking a safe return home due to recent outbreaks of xenophobic hostility.
The Federal Government commended Pastor Adeboye and the entire RCCG organization for showing high-level empathy, solidarity, and civic duty. Officials noted that this collaborative effort demonstrates the power of partnerships between public institutions and religious organizations in solving severe humanitarian challenges.
Progress on the Evacuation Mission
The evacuation process began on June 10 following renewed tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Since the rescue operations kicked off, the government has successfully brought back over 1,600 Nigerians. While the majority of these flights were fully funded by the Federal Government, philanthropic interventions like RCCG's donation have significantly accelerated the effort to bring every willing citizen home safely.
Progress on the Evacuation Mission
The evacuation process began on June 10 following renewed tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Since the rescue operations kicked off, the government has successfully brought back over 1,600 Nigerians. While the majority of these flights were fully funded by the Federal Government, philanthropic interventions like RCCG's donation have significantly accelerated the effort to bring every willing citizen home safely.
Currently, additional batches of registered citizens are undergoing final screening by South African immigration authorities before their departure. The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg continue to work closely with local diaspora groups to coordinate registration and logistics.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Diaspora Welfare
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Diaspora Welfare
In addition to expressing gratitude, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the safety and well-being of Nigerians living abroad remain a top national priority. Diplomatic discussions are ongoing with South African authorities to address the root causes of anti-foreigner hostility and protect Nigerian lives and properties.
The government concluded by inviting other private organizations, philanthropists, and faith-based bodies to emulate RCCG's public-spirited gesture, reinforcing that protecting citizens at home and abroad requires collective effort.
The government concluded by inviting other private organizations, philanthropists, and faith-based bodies to emulate RCCG's public-spirited gesture, reinforcing that protecting citizens at home and abroad requires collective effort.