XENOPHOBIC: Delta Government Gives Succour To 39 Deltans Who Were Evacuated From South Africa

A total of 39 Deltans were among Nigerians who were evacuated from South Africa in the wake of the Xenophobic attacks that spread through parts of South Africa last year.

Non-South Africans, especially Nigerians were tortured, beaten and badly manhandled by ruthless South Africans who regard Nigerians as taken away their jobs from them and overtaking their economy.

Hence, they subjected them to series of attacks and humiliations, leading to Air Peace Boss, Allen Onyema, donating one of his planes to evacuate the stranded Nigerians from the troublous country.

Among the people of Delta, who made the list were 39, mostly young people and more of males who left the shore of Nigeria for a greener pasture in South Africa.

On Thursday, the Delta state government formally received them, took note of their different fields and promises of various assistance to them. Some were given immediate cash, while others were assured of cash being sent to their bank accounts.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa told the returnees that if it were possible to prevent situations that that led them to the South Africa, it would have been done.

The governor who was represented by his Senior Political Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, said the returnees must have seen a lot in South Africa, they have seen man’s inhumanity to man.

He said South Africa returned hatred to Nigeria amidst all that Nigeria did for the liberation of the former apartheid nation. Although it is painful to have abandoned their means of livelihood in South Africa, he advised them to forgive and start their lives again.

“The government of Delta state is ready to welcome them back to the state and would make provisions for them to settle down in Delta and live a healthy and happy life”, he stated.

Disclosing that the state government has provided a soft financial assistance for them while work is on to get settled and equip them with useful skills to start life again, Funkememe stressed that, “no matter what happens in your country, your home is your home. Make use of your skills”, he admonished them.

The Delta State Commissioner For Information, Charles Aniagwu, encouraged them to apply their skills to build a future for themselves.

He advised them to acquire skills to enhance their lives and make a living for themselves.

Aniagwu, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry of information, Paul Osahon, told the returnees that what they went in search of in South Africa all are available here in Nigeria.

He advised them to develop their skills and build up an enterprise that could become a conglomerate.

“The government of Delta state is ready to welcome you back to the state and would make provisions for you to settle down in Delta and live a healthy and happy life”.... Okowa

“No matter what happens in your country, your home is your home. Make use of your skills”

Dr Genevieve Mordi, who is the Senior special assistance to the governor on International affairs and Special Duties said the governor is happy that they have all returned from South Africa, saying the governor has provided several platforms for them to achieve their life’s goals.

Mordi, who played a critical role in their settlement in the state, told the returnees that life is full of challenges, noting that there are challenges everywhere.

She advised them to use any assistance given to them by the government to enhance their lives.

They will be trained in many skills as much as are available in the skills empowerment programme of the Delta state government.