Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has approved ₦1 million emergency financial assistance for 130 eligible returnees from South Africa and ₦2 million for each family of Abians who died during xenophobic attacks.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the approval on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Exco meeting presided over by Governor Otti.
Prince Kanu said the financial assistance for the 130 returnees would complement the earlier support extended to 31 returnees, who had each received ₦1 million.
With the latest approval according to the Commissioner, more than 160 returnees are expected to benefit from the emergency financial intervention in the coming months, including those who financed their return to Nigeria themselves.
He said; “In its bid to give a sense of belonging and help resettle stranded Abia Returnees from the Republic of South Africa, the Abia State Governor has granted approval to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection the release of funds for the evacuation and reintegration of Abians affected by genophobic attacks in South Africa.
“The approval includes, amongst others, one, the cost of screening and a lifting hundreds stranded Abians from South Africa.
“Two, the cost of transporting the Returnees to their respective and final destinations upon arrival in Nigeria.
“Three, the disbursement of 1 million Naira each to 130 eligible Returnees, including self-funded Returnees. This is in addition to the earlier assistance to 31 Returnees who were advanced 1 million Naira each.
“Over 160 Returnees will now receive the emergency 1 million Naira financial support in another month or two.
“Number four, 2 million Naira support for each family of diseased persons who passed on during the violent attacks in South Africa.
“The 100 Returnees are expected in the country sometime in November, at a date that will be communicated to you in due course”.
Prince Kanu noted that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had also coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three batches, including those assisted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and facilitated their reunion with their families in different parts of Abia State and beyond.
He said the Ministry was developing a long-term reintegration plan in line with the Governor’s directive, explaining that the plan would address the returnees’ livelihood needs, economic empowerment and other challenges associated with their resettlement.
On the State’s response to sexual and gender-based violence, Prince Kanu disclosed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre had continued to provide services to survivors with 17 cases currently before the courts.
He added that two convictions were secured in July and described the outcomes as evidence of the present administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, improving access to justice and strengthening social protection.
