Oyo State Welcomes 70 Returnees from South Africa

The Oyo State Government has successfully received 70 indigenes evacuated from South Africa, where they faced xenophobic attacks. The group includes 42 adults and 28 minors, and they were welcomed by Segun Adegoke, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Migration and Homeland Security.

During the reception held at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in Ibadan, Adegoke emphasized that their return should not be seen as a failure but as a new beginning. He assured the returnees that the government is committed to assisting them in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into their communities.

Adegoke acknowledged the challenges faced by the returnees, including loss of livelihood and emotional distress, and stated that the government would assess their individual circumstances to provide appropriate support. He also warned against irregular migration and encouraged youths to acquire relevant skills for safer migration opportunities.