Governor, Ondo State
- Commends Air Peace for bringing them home
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has presented cash gift of N100, 000 to each of South Africa returnees of Ondo State origin to as parts of programmes to re-settle them in their various communities, just as he commended the management of Air Peace for bringing them home free of charge.
Akeredolu who presented the cash gift in his office while receiving the returnees, following xenophobic attack on them in their host country, also promised to give necessary support and provide an enabling environment for them to start a new life.
A statement made available to africanbusinesstravel.com.ng by Mr. Babatope Okeowo, a spokesman to the Deputy Governor said the governor who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa by South Africans.
He described the unwarranted attacks as barbaric and condemnable which should be discouraged.
The governor said president Muhammadu Buhari has also visited the South Africa to condemn the ugly incident and look at exploring lasting solutions to the incident.
He particularly charged the returnees not to be discouraged by what had happened to them but be ready to start a new life as they returned safely to Nigeria, their fatherland.
He assured them of his administration’s readiness to assist them in settling down in their various communities and ameliorate their present conditions.
Akeredolu informed them that his administration has provided various windows of opportunities including youths and women empowerment, agricultural, entrepreneurship programmes among several others.
He advised them to avail themselves with any of the opportunities to better their lives.
The governor also charged the returnees not to be hostile with any foreigners around them so that African countries could be a better place for all.
He equally appreciated the spirited efforts of the management of Air Peace airline for their kind gesture by conveying the returnees to the country free of charge.
He further thanked his Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, in ensuring the success of the programme.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, commended the state governor for his kind gesture and support given to the returnees to ensure they settle down peacefully and happily.
Olasehinde-Vincente equally admonished them to strive to integrate properly back to the society and eschew all forms of crimes and criminalities.
Speaking at the event some of the returnees including Jenty Edisemi and Sholanke Omolara who appreciated the state government for the support explained that their experience in South Africa was hell and very stressful.
