IBADAN — The Oyo State Government has received 70 indigenes evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and other difficult circumstances, commencing efforts to reintegrate them into their communities.
The returnees, comprising 42 adults and 28 minors, were formally received on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Migration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in Ibadan.
Adegoke assured the returnees that their return would not be viewed as a failure or the end of their journey, but the beginning of a new chapter, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their welfare and successful reintegration.
He acknowledged the challenges associated with their return, including loss of livelihood, emotional distress, disrupted businesses and abandoned plans, stressing that the government was engaging them individually to assess their circumstances and identify areas requiring appropriate intervention.
Adegoke urged the returnees to openly share their experiences and needs during the assessment, saying the objective was to provide support that would enable them to rebuild their lives, remain productive and contribute meaningfully to the development of Oyo State.
