Aiyedatiwa Offers Economic Lifeline to Ondo Returnees From South Africa
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has unveiled measures aimed at helping indigenes of the state recently evacuated from South Africa rebuild their lives following their return to Nigeria.
The governor said the intervention would focus on sustainable reintegration, economic empowerment and helping the returnees convert the skills and international experience acquired abroad into productive ventures in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa spoke during an official welcoming and empowerment programme for the returnees at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Rather than allowing their difficult experiences in South Africa to define their future, the governor challenged the returnees to identify economic opportunities within their communities and use their knowledge and skills to create sustainable livelihoods.
“Look around, look for opportunities, see the needs and meet the needs. That’s how to make money. There are needs everywhere when you look,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor disclosed that his administration had approved financial support for each returnee to assist them in settling down and beginning the process of rebuilding their lives.
He explained that the government would also collect their profiles and biodata, while necessary documentation would be coordinated through the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations to facilitate the settlement and reintegration process.
According to Aiyedatiwa, bringing citizens home should not mark the end of government’s responsibility, stressing that meaningful reintegration must include economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills development, counselling and an enabling environment.
He encouraged the returnees to reconnect with their families, local governments and communities while taking advantage of opportunities available within Nigeria.
“As long as you are Nigerian, you can live in any part of the country. In South Africa, they don’t want to see you. But there is nowhere we want to send you to. Nigeria has to receive you back as citizens of this country. And since you have traced your roots back to Ondo State, we also receive you as our own,” the governor said.
Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, described the return of the affected citizens as more than a ceremonial homecoming, saying it demonstrated the government’s determination not to abandon Ondo indigenes facing difficulties outside the country.
Akinlosotu commended Aiyedatiwa for responding to the plight of the returnees with what he described as compassionate and human-centred leadership.
He urged the beneficiaries to regard the government’s empowerment programme as a foundation upon which they could rebuild their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Ondo State.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Ajibade James Ogunleye narrated some of the difficulties they allegedly encountered in South Africa, including violent attacks, challenges relating to permits and healthcare, as well as the loss of businesses and properties.
According to Ogunleye, some of those evacuated had to abandon businesses and possessions accumulated over the years in order to leave South Africa and secure their safety.
He expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government and Ondo State Government for facilitating their return and providing accommodation and other assistance.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Dr Olumide Aserere, also thanked stakeholders involved in the evacuation and reintegration process.
He said the state government’s intervention demonstrated the priority attached to the welfare of Ondo citizens irrespective of where they reside.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; political appointees and other government officials.
