Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has authorized the release of ₦300 million in intervention funds for indigenes of the state. The funds are designated for Imo State students at the Nigerian Law School and South African returnees who are natives of the state.
Details of the Financial Support
The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, disclosed that 250 returnees from South Africa will each receive ₦1 million to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Additionally, 100 Imo State students at the Nigerian Law School will each receive ₦500,000 to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
Emelumba made this announcement in a statement issued on Friday, June 12, in Owerri, as reported by Channels Television. He explained that these humanitarian gestures were prompted by the difficult circumstances faced by the beneficiaries.
Governor's Prompt Response to Appeals
The commissioner noted that the law students had made a passionate appeal to Governor Uzodimma for support to cushion the effects of global inflation on their living expenses. As a caring father, the governor responded promptly to their request. Emelumba recalled that this is not the first time Governor Uzodimma has come to the aid of law students, many of whom are already on the state government's scholarship list, and the governor frequently extends a helping hand to them.
Regarding the returnees from South Africa, Emelumba stated that Governor Uzodimma felt that these traumatized indigenes needed assistance, leading to the approval of what he described as a re-integration fund. The governor was convinced that the returnees required a helping hand from the government to settle down with minimal discomfort.
Background: Nigerians Returning from South Africa
Recall that over 200 Nigerians returned to Lagos State from South Africa due to renewed xenophobic attacks. Top Nigerian government officials welcomed the returnees, assuring them of support and reintegration assistance. The next evacuations of Nigerians from South Africa are scheduled for June 15, 18, 22, and 24, 2026.
Nigeria's Diplomatic Response
Meanwhile, the federal government has considered possible diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa following the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians. Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu rejected claims that affected Nigerians were illegal migrants, stating that businesses and families had been targeted. President Bola Tinubu approved five evacuation flights as more than 1,000 Nigerians registered to return home voluntarily.
Source: Legit.ng
