Over 80 Deltans repatriated from the Republic of South Africa after recent xenophobic attacks have heaved a sigh of relief as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved a total sum of N175m for them, with each affected family receiving a ₦2 million resettlement grant, monthly stipends and other welfare support to help them rebuild their lives.
Many of the returnees, who recounted the trauma of losing their homes, businesses and livelihoods in the attacks, described the Governor’s intervention as timely and life-changing, saying it had restored their hope after months of uncertainty.
A returnee, Mr Jacob Agbada from Isoko North Local Government Area described the attacks as a painful experience.
He said many Nigerians lost their shops, vehicles and businesses during the violence and advised those planning to relocate to South Africa to carefully consider the risks.
Another beneficiary, Mr Saturday Akanuche, thanked the Delta State Government for the support, saying the financial assistance had given him hope of starting a new business and rebuilding his life after losing everything during the attacks
Speaking at the ceremony held in Asaba for the reception and reintegration of the returnees, Governor Oborevwori represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Johnson Erijo condemned the xenophobic attacks, stressing that no one should be subjected to violence, displacement or discrimination because of their nationality.
The Governor expressed sadness over the ordeal suffered by the victims and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention, which ensured their safe evacuation back to Nigeria.
“My heart is heavy with pain for the indignity you endured, yet full of gratitude to God and to Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose prompt intervention ensured your safe repatriation,” he said.
Oborevwori stated further, “To cushion the impact of your losses, every affected family would receive a ₦2 million resettlement grant, while individuals would receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000 and families ₦300,000 monthly, beginning in August 2026 until the end of my first tenure in office.
The Delta State Governor also approved free medical screening and treatment for all the returnees in Delta State-owned health facilities and directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services and Community Development to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the victims and their families.
The Governor urged families, friends and communities across the state to welcome the returnees with compassion, solidarity and kindness, describing such support as the true Delta spirit.
Encouraging the victims not to lose hope, Oborevwori said the painful experience should not diminish their entrepreneurial spirit, assuring them that his administration remains committed to creating opportunities for every Deltan to live, work and prosper in safety and dignity.
He also commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to the crisis and called for sustained efforts to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Delta State Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Etacherure Terry, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the emergency intervention for Deltans repatriated from South Africa through the state’s contingency fund after the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) exhausted its budgetary allocation for the year.
Terry said the Governor was determined that no returning Deltan would be left without support, directing that every repatriated citizen be properly identified, documented and provided with the necessary assistance to ease their reintegration into society.
According to him, the intervention underscores the Governor’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Deltans, especially those affected by unforeseen humanitarian crises.
“We receive you with open arms. You are home, you are safe, and you are not alone,” Terry assured the returnees, reaffirming the state’s resolve to stand by them as they rebuild their lives.
For the returnees, however, the reception was more than an official welcome—it marked the beginning of a new chapter, with renewed hope that they can rebuild their lives at home through the support of both the Delta State and Federal Governments.
Highlights of the ceremony included official presentation of the cheque of N175 million naira by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the returnees
