The fifth batch of 282 Nigerian returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport at 7:35pm on Thursday aboard Air Peace Airlines, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,134.
Air Peace has done four flights of 258, 266, 262, and 282 persons, while Value Jet flew 66 free of charge to support the evacuation.
The returnees were accompanied by two officials of Nigeria High Commission in South Africa.
This is a continuation of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the safe return of willing Nigerians to the country.
The returnees expressed their gratitude to Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation.
They also appreciated the Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), whose staff were on hand to receive them and announced some financial support for them.
The returnees from Imo State courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodimma received N1 million each, while MTN donated free sim packs (with data) worth N50,000 and N100,000 to be paid to the bank account of all the returnees.
Edo and Delta States officials also announced incentives.
Similarly, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), offered free accommodation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to 52 of the returnees as well as free education till university level for their children and skills acquisition to the families.
JAAL Foundation also promised empowerment support for 50 female returnees.
Cruxstone, a real estate firm, gave cash to the first set of returnees, while Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church gave N100,000 each to 66 of the returnees.
Government agencies, including NEMA, Refugees Commission , Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN, and security agencies, were on hand to document and receive them.
The returnees were full of gratitude for the donations, support, and warm welcome received.
