Returnees Thank Tinubu as NIDCOM Seeks Support

Following the evacuation of 490 Nigerians from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks, returnees expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for funding their evacuation and rehabilitation. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), called on state governments and private organizations to extend support to the returnees.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Edo State Governor Mondai Okpebholo each pledged 1 million Naira to assist returnees. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged various organizations, including Omega Power Ministries, which provided free accommodation for 57 returnee families, and MTN Nigeria, which offered free SIM packs and cash support.

The evacuation exercise, which began on June 11 and concluded on July 15, saw the final batch of 305 Nigerians return home. Dabiri-Erewa commended the efforts of various government agencies involved in the evacuation process.