Otti Approves ₦130m Aid for South Africa Returnees, ₦2m for Each Abian Xenophobia Victim’s Family

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved emergency financial assistance of ₦1 million each for 130 returnees from South Africa and ₦2 million for each family of Abians who died during xenophobic attacks.

The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who announced this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti, said the financial assistance would complement the earlier support extended to 31 returnees, who had each received ₦1 million.

According to the Commissioner, the latest approval brings the number of returnees expected to benefit from the emergency financial intervention to more than 160 in the coming months, including those who personally financed their return to Nigeria.

Prince Kanu noted that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had also coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three batches, including those assisted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and facilitated their reunification with their families in different parts of Abia State and beyond.

He said that, in line with the Governor’s directive, the Ministry was developing a long-term reintegration plan to address the returnees’ livelihood needs, economic empowerment and other challenges associated with their resettlement.

Speaking on the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence, Prince Kanu said the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre had continued to provide services to survivors, with 17 cases currently before the courts.

He added that two convictions were secured in July, describing the outcomes as evidence of the present administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, improving access to justice and strengthening social protection.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Felix, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, were also present at the briefing.