Sixty-seven Nigerians have returned to the country from South Africa following a repatriation exercise facilitated by a group of private individuals.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight on Wednesday night.
The latest development brings to 150 the number of Nigerians repatriated with the assistance of the philanthropic group, following the earlier return of 83 Nigerians.
Speaking to the returnees, representatives of the group, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and Chief Charles Mba, welcomed them back to Nigeria and presented each person with N50,000 as immediate financial support.
Mba, a businessman and philanthropist, encouraged the returnees to embrace patriotism and comply with the regulations and procedures of relevant government agencies as they begin the next phase of their lives in Nigeria.
He assured them that their experiences in South Africa should not prevent them from rebuilding their lives and pursuing their aspirations.
According to Mba, there were still considerable opportunities ahead, particularly for the children among the returnees, who he said should remain focused on their future.
“No hope is lost,” he said, urging the returnees not to allow their experiences abroad to undermine their prospects for growth and development.
Ume-Ezeoke, who coordinates the group’s activities, commended previous efforts by the Federal Government to facilitate the return of Nigerians from abroad.
He also encouraged the returnees to look towards Nigeria’s available opportunities and contribute to the development of the country.
Ume-Ezeoke noted that Nigeria possessed significant potential that could be harnessed by citizens willing to apply their skills and experience towards building better lives for themselves and their communities.
Xenophobia: 67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrive Lagos