Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has described travelling abroad as a setback for Nigerians, asserting that staying in the country offers better opportunities. He made the remarks while welcoming 41 Nigerians who returned from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks, pledging ₦1 million to each returnee, for a total of ₦41 million in support.
Governor’s stance on emigration
Speaking at a reception held in Benin, the Edo state capital, Okpebholo urged Nigerians to reconsider leaving the country, arguing that the difficulties of obtaining visas and purchasing flight tickets outweigh any potential benefits. He noted that since assuming office as governor, he has only travelled outside Nigeria once.
“The most important thing is that you’re back home. It’s even better to be in Nigeria than abroad. Since I became governor, I’ve only travelled outside the country once. What am I looking for that’s not in Nigeria? Travelling abroad is even a setback because you’ll struggle to get a visa and buy a flight ticket, but if you invest in Nigeria, within a short time, you can make a lot of money,” Okpebholo said.
Financial support for returnees
The governor committed ₦41 million to assist the returnees, who were all from Edo State. Each individual received ₦1 million to help them reintegrate and start afresh. The pledge came amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have prompted many Nigerians to return home.
Okpebholo emphasised that local investment could yield significant financial returns within a short period, urging the returnees to channel their resources into businesses within Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Online backlash
The governor’s comments generated widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians accusing him of ignoring the underlying economic and security challenges that drive emigration. Users questioned the sincerity of politicians who discourage emigration while failing to address issues such as unemployment, poor electricity supply, insecurity, and a low standard of living.
@chinemelumma wrote: “Instead of APC politicians fixing Nigeria’s economy and insecurity problems. They’re dragging Nigerians abroad to come back home, where there’s no job, no electricity, no security, poor standard of living.”
@the_tims001 questioned the governor’s sincerity, stating: “These people forget that they’re politicians and they steal money every day. Why would they want to leave where they’re stealing to where they won’t?”
Criticism of crowd reaction
Some social media users also criticised the enthusiastic applause from the audience during the governor’s speech, suggesting it was a routine response rather than genuine agreement. @SALAMIR01 commented: “Where did we copy this 30 seconds clap, whoever a politician is speaking haha… they are not even assimilating what he is saying either good or not they just want to clap at every statement… oga oo.”
@Emaculux_001 added: “Who be this people where dey always clap anyhow? And the clapping is the governor think he’s making sense. At times does he even listen to himself?”
Attire of returnees questioned
Another point of contention was the attire of the returnees, who were dressed in tracksuits. @chemy393 remarked: “Why are they wearing tracksuits, or are they going for a run after this?! They should have worn something more in line with the event, not a tracksuit.”
