Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has donated N1 million to each indigene of the state who was among the first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks. The announcement was made by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), during a press conference on Thursday, June 11.
Donations from Corporate Organizations and Government Agencies
According to Dabiri-Erewa, several corporate organizations and government agencies have provided packages for the returnees. She called on other state governors to follow the example of their Imo counterpart in supporting the evacuated Nigerians as they return home.
Full List of Donations
- N100,000 from MTN
- N50,000 airtime and a starter pack from MTN
- N1 million to each Imo State indigene from Governor Hope Uzodimma
- Transportation support from NEMA
- Financial support from a real estate firm
- Nigeria's Refugee Commission to follow up on reintegration
Reactions from Nigerians
The announcement has sparked reactions on social media. A user named Baba Laughs commended the donations but urged fixing Nigeria's economy to prevent youths from seeking opportunities abroad. LaLekan criticized the Lagos State Government for not showing similar support for its indigenes. Segun John argued that returnees are not refugees and should be rehabilitated by NEMA, not the Refugee Commission. Hilarity007 criticized the federal government for not providing N5 million each to the returnees, accusing the administration of wasteful spending.
Regional Evacuations
Several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, have begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence. Over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation as governments intensify diplomatic and emergency efforts.
