ASABA — Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a comprehensive support package for Deltans evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
Under the intervention, each affected family will receive a one-off grant of N2 million, while every returnee will be paid a monthly stipend of N200,000. In addition, each affected family will receive N300,000 monthly as part of the state government’s efforts to support their recovery and reintegration.
The monthly payments are expected to begin in August 2026 and continue until May 29, 2027, when the governor’s first term in office ends.
Governor Oborevwori announced the measures on Friday during a reception organised for the returnees at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. The governor, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo, condemned the xenophobic attacks and described them as an unacceptable violation of human dignity.
He said no individual should be subjected to violence, harassment or discrimination because of their nationality, while expressing sympathy with the affected Nigerians over the physical, emotional and economic difficulties they experienced.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a swift response that facilitated the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.
As part of additional measures to support the returnees, Oborevwori directed that all those evacuated be given free medical examinations at government-owned health facilities across the state.
He also instructed the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the returnees and their family members to help them cope with the emotional impact of their experiences.
Oborevwori appealed to Deltans to receive the returnees with empathy, unity and kindness, stressing that the values reflected the spirit of the people of the state.
He assured the returnees that their experiences in South Africa would not define their future, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for residents and protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner overseeing the Bureau for Special Duties, Ejiro Etacherure, assured the returnees that the state government remained committed to helping them rebuild their lives following their return.
Etacherure described their safe evacuation and return as a demonstration of compassionate leadership and effective cooperation between the federal and state governments.
He recalled that reports of the attacks, which allegedly resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and livelihoods, as well as severe emotional trauma for victims, were received with shock and sadness.
The commissioner thanked God for preserving the lives of the returnees and commended Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention and continued commitment to their welfare.
He disclosed that the governor had personally directed relevant government agencies to ensure that every returning Deltan was properly identified, documented and received with dignity.
According to him, the agencies were also instructed to provide the necessary assistance to help the returnees settle back into their communities and successfully reintegrate into society.
Etacherure urged the returnees to take advantage of the economic empowerment and development programmes available in Delta State, expressing confidence that the state offers significant opportunities for them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Jacob Agbada thanked Governor Oborevwori for the support package, particularly the N2 million grant and monthly financial assistance.
Agbada described the intervention as timely and transformative, saying the returnees were deeply grateful to the governor for his compassion, generosity and support at a difficult period in their lives.
He said the assistance would go a long way in helping the affected families recover from the challenges they faced and begin the process of rebuilding their lives back home.
