Under the approved package, each returnee will receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000, while every affected family will be paid ₦300,000 each month.
Hundreds of Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks. Photo: Delta State Government.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a robust support package for Deltans evacuated from South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks. The intervention includes a ₦2 million grant for each affected family, alongside monthly welfare payments aimed at easing their reintegration into society.
Under the approved package, every returnee will receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000, while each affected family will be paid ₦300,000 every month. The payments will commence in August 2026 and continue until the expiration of the governor’s first term on May 29, 2027.
Speaking during a reception organised for the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba on Friday, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo, denounced the xenophobic attacks, describing them as an unacceptable assault on human dignity.
He maintained that no one should suffer violence, harassment or discrimination because of their nationality and sympathised with the victims over the physical, emotional and economic hardships they endured.
The governor also applauded President Bola Tinubu for his swift response, noting that it ensured the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.
To further assist the victims, Oborevwori announced that the state government would provide free medical examinations for all returnees at government-owned health facilities.
He equally directed the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to offer trauma counselling and psychosocial care to the victims and members of their families.
Calling on Deltans to welcome the returnees with empathy, unity and kindness, the governor said such virtues embodied the true spirit of Delta State. He assured the victims that the painful experience would not determine their future.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to create opportunities for all residents while advocating continued protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians living outside the country.
In his address, the Delta State Commissioner overseeing the Bureau for Special Duties, Ejiro Etacherure, reassured the returnees of the state government’s determination to support them as they rebuild their lives, describing their safe return as evidence of compassionate leadership and strong cooperation between the federal and state governments.
He recalled that news of the attacks, which resulted in deaths, destruction of property and livelihoods, and left many people traumatised, was received with profound shock and sorrow.
Etacherure expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the victims and commended Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention and steadfast commitment to their welfare.
The commissioner disclosed that the governor personally instructed that every returning Deltan should be properly identified, documented, and received with respect, while relevant government agencies were directed to provide the necessary support to facilitate their successful reintegration.
Welcoming them back home, Etacherure encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the various economic and empowerment programmes available in the state, expressing confidence that Delta continues to offer immense opportunities under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Jacob Agbada expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving the ₦2 million grant and the monthly stipends, describing the intervention as timely and transformative.
He said they were sincerely grateful to the governor for his compassion, generosity, and unwavering support during one of the most challenging moments of their lives.
