The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has presented cash gift of N100,000 to each of South African returnees of Ondo State origin as part of efforts to re-settle them in their various communities. The beneficiaries were part of Nigerians that returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.
Akeredolu, who presented the cash gift in his office while receiving the South African returnees on Friday, promised to give necessary support for them to start a new life.
Represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, the governor condemned the attacks in South Africa. He described the development as barbaric and condemnable which should be discouraged.
He charged the returnees not to be discouraged by what happened to them but be ready to start a new life.
He said, “Because of what happened to you, don’t be hostile to any foreigner around you so that African countries could be a better place for all.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, commended the state governor for the support given to the returnees to ensure they settled down.
She equally admonished them to strive to integrate properly back into the society and shun all forms of crimes and criminalities.