ASABA – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced a comprehensive support package for Deltans repatriated from South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks that forced many Nigerians to return home.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, received the returnees at Government House, Asaba, on Friday, expressing sympathy to the victims and families who suffered losses during the attacks.
Oborevwori described the ordeal as painful, stressing that no individual deserved to be attacked, displaced or forced to live in fear because of nationality. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt intervention, which ensured the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians.
To assist the returnees in rebuilding their lives, the Governor announced an immediate resettlement grant of ₦2 million for each affected family, alongside free medical screening at all state-owned health facilities.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services had been directed to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the returnees and their families.
In addition, the Governor approved a monthly stipend of ₦200,000 for each individual returnee and ₦300,000 for affected families, beginning in August 2026 and continuing until the end of his first tenure in office.
Oborevwori urged Deltans to receive the returnees with compassion, solidarity and kindness, describing such gestures as the true Delta spirit.
He encouraged the victims not to allow the unfortunate experience to diminish their determination to succeed, assuring them that his administration remained committed to creating opportunities for citizens to thrive in the state.
“There is no place like home,” the Governor said, adding that his administration would continue to build a Delta State where residents could pursue their aspirations without fear.
He also appreciated the Federal Government for standing firm in protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Earlier, the Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Etacherure Ejiro Terry, described the xenophobic attacks as tragic, noting that the state government was deeply saddened by the losses suffered by the victims.
He said Governor Oborevwori immediately directed that all affected Deltans be identified, profiled and received with dignity upon their arrival, while necessary measures were put in place to support their reintegration into society.
Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for facilitating their safe return and for the financial support and welfare packages announced by the Delta State Government.
He assured the government that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the assistance to rebuild their lives