Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in q group photograph with Nigerian returnees from South Africa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has received indigenes of the state evacuated from South Africa, assuring them of government support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate sustainably into their communities.
At a welcoming and empowerment programme in Akure, the governor urged the returnees to turn their difficult experiences into opportunities by leveraging the skills, knowledge and international exposure they acquired abroad.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said government had approved financial support for each returnee and would collect their profiles to facilitate their settlement and empowerment.
He stressed that reintegration must go beyond bringing citizens home to include skills development, counselling, entrepreneurship and economic support, urging the returnees to identify opportunities and meet needs within their communities.
The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, said the intervention reaffirmed that Ondo remains home to its people, assuring the returnees that the state would not abandon them in times of difficulty.
Representing the returnees, Ajibade James Ogunleye recounted the violent attacks, loss of businesses and properties, and other challenges they faced in South Africa, expressing appreciation to both the Federal and Ondo State Governments for facilitating their return and providing support.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that returning citizens find hope, dignity, opportunity and a sense of belonging in Ondo State.
