Another set of 40 returnees arrived at the Lagos Airport from South Africa on Friday night, thus bringing the total number of returnees in six batches to 1,174, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) said on Saturday evening.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun,
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, disclosed that “The returnees came through Air Peace in four different flights of 258, 266, 262, 282, Value Jet 66 and the sixth batch came in a chartered flight with 40 Nigerians.”
He said “The returnees expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation as well as all the facilitators.
“They also appreciated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Amb. Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, whose staff were on hand to receive them and announced some financial support for them.
He added that”The returnees from Imo state courtesy of Gov. Hope Uzodimma received one million naira each while MTN donated free-SIM pack (with data) worth ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 to be paid to the bank account of all the returnees.
“Similarly, Edo and Delta state officials announced incentives from their respective state governments to the returnees.
“Also, JAAL Foundation promised empowerment support for 50 female returnees.
“In the same vein, Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinwe, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, was appreciated for his selfless gesture of providing free accommodation to approximately 52 Nigerian returnees as well as skills acquisition for families and free education for their children up till University level.
“The returnees also thanked Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church who gave ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees.
“They equally thanked Cruxstone (a real estate firm) who gave cash support to the first set of returnees.
“Government agencies, including NEMA, Refugees Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, FAAN, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and security agencies were on hand to document and receive them.
“The returnees were full of gratitude for the donations, support and warm welcome received.”