Governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Mbah, has welcomed 77 families comprising 112 indigenes of the state who returned from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against black African migrants.
Mbah received the returnees on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state government was committed to supporting the returnees as they reintegrate and rebuild their lives in Enugu.
He said the state was working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to profile about 42 additional families expected to return from South Africa.
Mbah condemned the attacks and acknowledged that some of the returnees may have lost businesses, properties, investments and years of work as a result of their forced return.
The government announced a N1 million support fund for each of the 77 families, stating that it was not compensation for their losses but a seed fund to help them begin rebuilding their lives in the state.
“This support is, therefore, not being presented as compensation for everything you may have lost. It is not intended to replace the businesses, properties or investments that some of you may have left behind.
“Rather, it is a modest but deliberate expression of solidarity from your state,” he said.
Mbah urged the returnees to deploy the skills, knowledge, entrepreneurial experience and networks acquired in South Africa to explore opportunities in Enugu.
He said his administration was working to create an environment conducive to living, working, investing and doing business in the state.
Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, urged the returnees to rebuild their lives and take advantage of opportunities available in the state.
“Put yourself in a position to win. New opportunities beckon,” he said.