News
Xenophobia: Delta Returnees Get ₦2m Grants, Monthly Stipends as Oborevwori Unveils Reintegration Package
By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled a comprehensive reintegration package for Deltans evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, approving a ₦2 million grant for each affected family alongside monthly welfare stipends to help them rebuild their lives.
The support package, announced on Friday during a reception for the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, provides ₦200,000 monthly for each individual returnee and ₦300,000 monthly for every affected family. The stipends will commence in August 2026 and continue until May 29, 2027, the end of the governor’s first tenure.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori described the xenophobic attacks as a serious violation of human dignity, stressing that no one should face violence, intimidation or discrimination because of their nationality.
He expressed sympathy to the victims for the physical, emotional and financial hardships they endured and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.
Beyond the financial assistance, the governor announced additional measures aimed at supporting the victims’ recovery and reintegration. These include free medical screening for all returnees at state-owned health facilities and trauma counselling and psychosocial support through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services.
Oborevwori urged Deltans to welcome the returnees with compassion and solidarity, assuring them that the painful experience would not define their future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens while advocating for the continued protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, said the state government remained committed to helping the returnees rebuild their lives, describing their safe return as evidence of effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Delta State.
He noted that reports of the xenophobic attacks, which claimed lives, destroyed businesses and property, and left many victims traumatised, were received with deep concern.
Etacherure disclosed that Governor Oborevwori personally directed that every returning Deltan be properly identified, documented and received with dignity, while relevant government agencies were instructed to provide the support needed for their successful reintegration.
He also encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the economic and empowerment opportunities available in the state, expressing confidence that Delta remained a land of opportunity under the current administration.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada thanked Governor Oborevwori for the intervention, describing the ₦2 million family grant and monthly stipends as timely and life-changing.
He said the returnees were deeply grateful for the governor’s compassion, generosity and unwavering support during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled a comprehensive reintegration package for Deltans evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, approving a ₦2 million grant for each affected family alongside monthly welfare stipends to help them rebuild their lives.
The support package, announced on Friday during a reception for the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, provides ₦200,000 monthly for each individual returnee and ₦300,000 monthly for every affected family. The stipends will commence in August 2026 and continue until May 29, 2027, the end of the governor’s first tenure.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori described the xenophobic attacks as a serious violation of human dignity, stressing that no one should face violence, intimidation or discrimination because of their nationality.
He expressed sympathy to the victims for the physical, emotional and financial hardships they endured and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.
Beyond the financial assistance, the governor announced additional measures aimed at supporting the victims’ recovery and reintegration. These include free medical screening for all returnees at state-owned health facilities and trauma counselling and psychosocial support through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services.
Oborevwori urged Deltans to welcome the returnees with compassion and solidarity, assuring them that the painful experience would not define their future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens while advocating for the continued protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, said the state government remained committed to helping the returnees rebuild their lives, describing their safe return as evidence of effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Delta State.
He noted that reports of the xenophobic attacks, which claimed lives, destroyed businesses and property, and left many victims traumatised, were received with deep concern.
Etacherure disclosed that Governor Oborevwori personally directed that every returning Deltan be properly identified, documented and received with dignity, while relevant government agencies were instructed to provide the support needed for their successful reintegration.
He also encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the economic and empowerment opportunities available in the state, expressing confidence that Delta remained a land of opportunity under the current administration.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada thanked Governor Oborevwori for the intervention, describing the ₦2 million family grant and monthly stipends as timely and life-changing.
He said the returnees were deeply grateful for the governor’s compassion, generosity and unwavering support during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
