Delta gives 86 South African returnees ₦2m per family, monthly stipend

The Delta State Government has announced a support package for 86 indigenes repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with each family to receive ₦2m and monthly stipends until the end of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first tenure.

The package was announced on Friday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Johnson Erijo, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the reception for the returnees.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Erijo said the state would also provide free medical screening for all the returnees at state-owned health facilities and trauma counselling through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services.

He said individuals among the returnees would receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000, while families would get ₦300,000 monthly, beginning from August 2026.

Erijo said the intervention was aimed at helping the victims rebuild their lives after losing property, businesses and livelihoods during the attacks.

Quoting the governor, he said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I welcome our brothers and sisters back home.

“We watched with dismay the xenophobic attacks targeted at fellow Africans in South Africa. No human being deserves to be beaten, displaced or forced to live in fear because of his nationality.

“My heart is heavy with pain for the indignity you endured, yet full of gratitude to God and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose swift intervention ensured your safe repatriation.”

He said the governor sympathised with those who suffered injuries and losses, assuring them that the state government would stand by them.

Erijo urged families and communities to receive the returnees with love and support, saying, “That is the true Delta spirit.”

He also encouraged the returnees not to allow the experience to discourage them from pursuing their dreams.

“This painful experience must not kill your entrepreneurial spirit. You left with courage to seek a better life. Let that same resilience help you build a better future here at home,” he said.

He thanked the Federal Government for evacuating the affected Nigerians and called for the protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.

The Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr Etacherure Terry, said the reception became possible because the governor approved funds from his contingency vote after the State Emergency Management Agency had exhausted its statutory allocation for the year.

He said the governor personally directed that every returning Deltan should be identified, documented and supported to restart life in the state.

“We receive you with open arms. You are home now, you are safe, and you are not alone,” he said.

One of the returnees, Mr Jacob Agbada from Isoko North Local Government Area, thanked the Federal and Delta State governments for the support.

He described life in South Africa during the attacks as traumatic and advised Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad to think twice before choosing the country.

“It wasn’t easy. They destroyed people’s shops, cars and businesses. Being a foreigner there is not a good thing. My advice is don’t go to South Africa. We are back home now, and we will help develop our country,” he said.

Another returnee, Mr Saturday Akanuche, said the support from the Delta State Government had restored his hope.

“I never expected this. I am overwhelmed and grateful. With this money, I can start life again and open a small business. I had almost lost hope after everything I lost in South Africa, but now I dare to move on,” he said.