Like Uzodinma, Otti to gift Abia returnees from South Africa N1m each
Alex Otti, governor of Abia, has approved the disbursement of one million naira to 31 verified indigenes of the state who were repatriated from South Africa.
Njoku Ukoha, Otti’s chief press secretary, said in a statement on Saturday that the approval is for immediate relief as an interim support measure, and to reassure the returnees that the state government has not abandoned them in their moment of need.
Ukoha said a comprehensive profiling of each returnee is currently ongoing to assess their individual circumstances and socio-economic realities.
“This is to enable government design appropriate interventions for sustainable reintegration and social protection coverage tailored to their specific needs,” the statement reads.
The gesture underscores Governor Otti’s compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in communities across Abia State and beyond. It also reflects the Government’s resolve to ensure that every Abian, regardless of circumstance, is given an opportunity to recover, rebuild, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
This makes Otti the second governor to make such a move.
In June, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, had approved a cash grant of N1 million each for all Imo indigenes who had been repatriated from South Africa
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed the information when the first batch of repatriated citizens arrived in Lagos.
In total, the government repatriated nearly 1,5o0 citizens in seven batches.