By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State Government has welcomed 112 indigenes who recently returned from South Africa following renewed attacks and hostility against African migrants in parts of the country.
The returnees, comprising 77 families, were received on Thursday at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, where the state government announced financial assistance of ₦1 million for each family.
The intervention amounts to ₦77 million, while the state government said it is working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to profile another 42 families expected to return.
Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the administration was concerned not only about bringing the affected residents home but also helping them rebuild their lives.
According to the governor, many of the returnees had spent years building businesses, investments, relationships and careers in South Africa before the circumstances surrounding their return forced them to leave.
He described the ₦1 million payment as seed funding rather than compensation for losses suffered abroad, stressing that the objective was to provide the families with an initial platform to begin rebuilding.
Mbah urged the returnees to draw on the knowledge, skills and business experience they gained in South Africa as they settle back into life in Enugu.
He also highlighted ongoing investments by his administration in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, technology and enterprise, saying the state was working to create more opportunities for residents.
The governor condemned the reported xenophobic attacks and said the state would continue to support the returnees as they navigate the process of reintegration.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Chidimma Ogbonna expressed appreciation to the state government for receiving them warmly and providing financial assistance.
“We feel at home,” she said, adding that the government's gesture had restored hope among those who had returned.
Another returnee, Cosmas Okwor, also thanked the governor, saying the support had given the group renewed optimism about starting over.
The returnees reportedly expressed confidence in resettling in Enugu, citing improvements they observed in infrastructure and security within the state.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, encouraged the returnees to look ahead and take advantage of opportunities available to them.
The state's Special Adviser on Diaspora, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, also commended the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM for their roles in facilitating the safe return of Nigerians affected by the situation in South Africa.
