Okpebholo Approves N1m Grant, Soft Loans For Edo Returnees From South Africa

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a ₦1 million grant for each Edo indigene evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, as part of efforts to help them resettle and rebuild their lives.
The governor announced the intervention on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.
He said the financial support, which is expected to be paid within 24 hours, is intended to enable the returnees secure accommodation and avoid being stranded upon their arrival.
According to Okpebholo, the state government will also provide soft loans to those willing to establish businesses, stressing that the administration is committed to ensuring their successful reintegration into society.
“Your success begins today. Many of you possess knowledge and skills in different areas. Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to start with because we want you to fully reintegrate into society,” the governor said.
“Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace here. Edo is safe, and Nigeria is safe,” he added.
The governor urged the returnees not to dwell on the material losses they suffered during the attacks, emphasizing that preserving their lives was far more important.
“They may have taken everything away from you, but your life is more important than the things they took. As a government, we will continue to support our people wherever they are. If they are in distress, we will rescue them and ensure they do not go through such experiences again,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for facilitating their evacuation from South Africa.
The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, also commended Governor Okpebholo for his prompt intervention and continued commitment to assisting Edo citizens facing hardship abroad.
In a statement after the event, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to protect the welfare of Edo people wherever they may be.
“Home will always be a place of hope and new beginnings. To support their reintegration, I approved a grant of ₦1 million for each returnee to help them secure accommodation, while my administration will also provide access to soft loans to enable them rebuild their lives and start sustainable businesses,” he said.