More than 60 Nigerians displaced from South Africa are beginning a new chapter in Rivers State after arriving in Nigeria in two batches on July 3 and July 19. Many returned empty-handed after abandoning their homes, businesses and belongings to escape what they described as hostility against foreign nationals.
For now, the returnees have found temporary shelter at a facility in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, provided by the Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere. He has also pledged scholarships for their children, employment opportunities and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives.
A visit by Channels Television showed families gradually settling into self-contained apartments in a clean and serene environment, with children already adapting to their new surroundings.
For Davidson Okafor, an indigene of Enugu State, returning to Nigeria was a choice between saving his life and protecting his investments.
Okafor, an Accountancy graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, said he was unable to secure formal employment in South Africa and instead made a living buying, repairing and selling accidented vehicles.
When the situation deteriorated, he fled with his wife and four children, abandoning property he estimated to be worth more than 1.2 million rand.
“I came back with my family because I chose life over my property. I left everything behind in South Africa, including my car and other belongings. We are grateful for the accommodation, food and support we have received here. My children have also been promised scholarships, and that gives us hope as we begin life again.”
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He appealed to the Federal Government to complement the support already provided by OPM by empowering the returnees to restart their businesses and become self-reliant.
Another returnee, Ejalonibu Gbenga, said his family escaped with only the clothes they could carry after hearing reports that foreigners were being forced out.
He estimated that he abandoned property worth between ₦4 million and ₦5 million.
“We fled South Africa with only the clothes we could carry because we wanted to save our lives. The accommodation and support we have received here have been a great relief, but we are appealing to the government to help us get back on our feet so we can rebuild our lives here in Nigeria.”
Gbenga said the returnees received accommodation, food items and cash support upon arrival. He added that while the intervention has eased their immediate burden, long-term empowerment remains their greatest need.
Speaking during a visit to the facility, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere said his decision to provide accommodation for the returnees was informed by the need to give them a place to restart their lives after fleeing South Africa with virtually nothing.
“One of the returnees told me he had nowhere to return to because everything he owned in South Africa had been destroyed. The first thing that came to my mind was shelter because when people have somewhere to lay their heads, they can begin to plan for the future.”
The cleric said the ministry acquired and renovated the facility within a short period to accommodate the returnees, noting that more than 50 people are currently housed there.
Beyond accommodation, he said the ministry is helping the returnees rebuild their lives through education, healthcare, vocational training and employment opportunities.
According to him, children of the returnees have been enrolled in OPM’s free school programme, while those requiring medical attention are receiving treatment at the ministry’s free hospital. Qualified professionals, he added, are also being linked with employment opportunities.
He disclosed that a registered nurse among the returnees has been offered employment at the OPM Free Hospital, while another with experience in the oil and gas sector has been sponsored for side-boom operator training ahead of an international recruitment exercise.
The cleric added that the ministry’s multi-skills acquisition centre would also provide vocational training for other returnees to improve their chances of becoming self-reliant.
“We have been training youths in different vocational skills, and many have gone on to secure employment. The children have already started school in our free schools, while those eligible for higher education will also receive support. Those who still need to write WAEC or JAMB will also be assisted.”
Apostle Chinyere also appealed to the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, international non-governmental organisations, oil companies and other well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the ministry in supporting the returnees.
“The burden is heavy, but because of our love for humanity, we are doing it. I would appreciate it if the Federal Government, the state government, NGOs and corporate organisations can come in and support this effort.”
As the returnees settle into their temporary homes in Aluu, their focus is gradually shifting from survival to rebuilding. While the intervention by Omega Power Ministries has eased their immediate burden, they believe broader government and private-sector support will be crucial in helping them start life afresh after losing homes, businesses and livelihoods in South Africa.
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