The sixth and final batch of stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, bringing the total number of returnees under the exercise to 1,174.
The last group of 40 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday night aboard a chartered flight, concluding the evacuation approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The returnees were evacuated in six batches using Air Peace, ValueJet and a chartered aircraft. Air Peace transported 1,068 evacuees in four flights carrying 258, 266, 262 and 282 passengers respectively, while ValueJet airlifted 66 returnees. The final chartered flight conveyed the remaining 40 Nigerians.
Speaking after their arrival, the returnees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving their evacuation and commended the coordinated efforts of the Federal Government and stakeholders that facilitated their safe return.
They also appreciated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials received them at the airport and announced financial support for the returnees.
As part of the reintegration support, returnees from Imo State received ₦1 million each through Governor Hope Uzodimma. MTN Nigeria also donated free SIM packs with data and pledged ₦100,000 to each returnee through their bank accounts.
Officials from Edo and Delta states announced support packages for their indigenes, while the JAAL Foundation promised empowerment assistance for 50 female returnees.
The evacuees also commended the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinwe, for offering free accommodation to about 52 returnees, as well as skills acquisition programmes for families and free education for their children up to university level.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church was equally praised for donating ₦100,000 each to the 66 returnees brought home by ValueJet, while real estate firm Cruxstone was acknowledged for providing financial support to the first batch of evacuees.
Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other security agencies were present at the airport to receive and document the returnees.
The returnees expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the various financial and welfare packages provided to support their reintegration into society.
