MORE than 60 Nigerians who recently fled South Africa over reported hostility toward foreign nationals have begun rebuilding their lives in Rivers State after arriving home in two batches on July 3 and July 19.
The returnees, many of whom abandoned their homes, businesses, and personal belongings, are currently being housed at a facility in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, provided by the Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere.
Beyond providing temporary accommodation, the cleric has pledged scholarships for the returnees’ children, employment opportunities, vocational training and other support aimed at helping them become self-reliant.
A visit to the facility showed families settling into self-contained apartments, with children already adjusting to their new environment.
One of the returnees, Davidson Okafor from Enugu State, said he abandoned assets worth more than 1.2 million rand to protect his family after the situation in South Africa worsened. Unable to secure formal employment there, he had built a livelihood buying, repairing, and selling accident-damaged vehicles.
According to him, returning to Nigeria meant sacrificing his investments in exchange for safety.
Okafor expressed appreciation for the accommodation, food assistance and educational support promised for his children but appealed to the federal government to provide financial assistance that would enable returnees to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.
Another returnee, Ejalonibu Gbenga, said he and his family escaped with only the clothes they were wearing after reports emerged that foreigners were being targeted. He estimated that he left behind property valued between ₦4 million to ₦5 million.
While acknowledging the immediate support received from OPM, including accommodation, food supplies and financial assistance, Gbenga stressed that long-term empowerment would be critical to helping returnees successfully reintegrate into society.
Speaking during a visit to the shelter, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere explained that the ministry established the facility to give displaced Nigerians a safe place to restart their lives after losing nearly everything in South Africa.
He said the ministry quickly acquired and renovated the property, which currently accommodates more than 50 people.
According to the cleric, the support extends beyond housing. Children of the returnees have been enrolled in OPM’s free schools, while those requiring medical care are receiving treatment at the ministry’s free hospital. Qualified professionals are also being connected with employment opportunities.
He revealed that a registered nurse among the returnees has already been employed at the OPM Free Hospital, while another individual with experience in the oil and gas industry has been sponsored for specialised side-boom operator training ahead of an international recruitment exercise.
The ministry’s vocational training centre is also expected to equip other returnees with practical skills to improve their employment prospects.
Apostle Chinyere appealed to the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government, non-governmental organisations, oil companies and other well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the ministry in providing additional support for the displaced families.
As the returnees begin settling into their temporary homes, many remain hopeful that increased government and private-sector intervention will help them rebuild their lives after losing homes, businesses and sources of income in South Africa.
