Xenophobia: Gov Mbah Welcomes 112 Enugu Returnees From South Africa, Doles Out N77m

‎The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday welcomed home 77 Enugu families made up of 112 indigenes forced to return from South Africa following unabating xenophobic attacks.
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‎The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the reception held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, announced a N1 million support grant to each of the 77 families to help them start afresh.
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‎Mbah disclosed that the administration is still profiling about 42 additional returnee families in conjunction with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
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‎Condemning the renewed attacks and hostility directed at black African migrants in parts of South Africa, Mbah said his administration understands the pain of returning home under circumstances they did not choose, having left behind businesses, possessions and years of labour.
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‎According to him, the question before the government is not simply how to receive the returnees, but how to help them begin again. He stressed that the reception must go beyond photographs and handshakes to mark the beginning of reintegration and rebuilding.
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‎”Importantly, government must do more than make speeches. It must put something tangible in your hands. That is why we have approved a N1 million seed fund for each returning family represented here today. Let me stress the word seed. A seed is not the harvest. It is the beginning of the harvest,” Mbah stated.
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‎He clarified that the support is not compensation for what they lost, but a modest and deliberate expression of solidarity from the state government to move them from returning home to rebuilding at home.
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‎The Governor assured that the state would continue to explore ways of connecting them with relevant opportunities, programmes and institutions that can support their reintegration, while urging them not to be afraid to start again.
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‎Mbah further encouraged the returnees to deploy the skills, discipline, networks and entrepreneurial experiences acquired in South Africa to tap into emerging opportunities in Enugu, noting that his administration is expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity, and investing in healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, technology and industry.
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‎Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mrs. Chidimma Ogbonna thanked Governor Mbah for the warm reception and support, saying “Your kindness gave hope and this opportunity. Thank you for welcoming us home and for believing in us.”