Governor Oborevwori Approves ₦2m Grant, Monthly Stipends for Delta Returnees From South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a comprehensive welfare package for Deltans who recently returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, including a ₦2 million grant for each affected family and monthly stipends to support their reintegration.

The intervention, announced on Friday during a reception for the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, is aimed at helping victims rebuild their lives after losing loved ones, property and livelihoods during the attacks.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori condemned the xenophobic attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human dignity.

He stressed that no individual should be subjected to violence, intimidation or discrimination because of nationality, while expressing sympathy to the victims over the physical, emotional and financial losses they suffered.

As part of the welfare package, the governor approved a ₦2 million grant for each affected family, while every individual returnee will receive a monthly welfare stipend of ₦200,000. In addition, each affected family will receive ₦300,000 monthly, beginning from August 2026 until May 29, 2027, the end of the governor’s first tenure.

Governor Oborevwori also directed that all returnees should receive free medical screening at government-owned health facilities across the state to address any health challenges arising from their ordeal.

He further instructed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the victims and their families as part of efforts to facilitate their full recovery and reintegration.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention, which ensured the safe evacuation of affected Nigerians from South Africa.

He urged Deltans to welcome the returnees with compassion and solidarity, assuring them that the unfortunate incident would not define their future.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens while advocating sustained protection of Nigerians living abroad.

Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, assured the returnees of the state government’s commitment to helping them rebuild their lives.

He described their safe return as a reflection of compassionate leadership and effective collaboration between the Federal Government and the Delta State Government.

Etacherure recalled that reports of the xenophobic attacks, which claimed lives and destroyed property and businesses, were received with deep sadness.

He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori immediately directed that every returning Deltan be properly identified, documented and received with dignity, while relevant government agencies were instructed to provide all necessary support for their successful reintegration.

He encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the numerous empowerment and economic opportunities available in Delta State, expressing confidence that the state remained a land of opportunities under the MORE Agenda.

Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving the ₦2 million grant and monthly stipends.

He described the intervention as timely and life-changing, saying the governor’s compassion and generosity had restored hope to families struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the attacks.