The Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Samuel Asadu, has donated N100,000 each to 77 Enugu returnee families from South Africa, amounting to N7.7 million.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on Diaspora Matters, Mrs Olangwa Ezekwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.
Ezekwu quoted the royal father gifted the cash while receiving representatives of the returnees at his palace in Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom.
She said that Asadu commended Mbah’s intervention and stated that his donation was intended to complement the support already provided by the state government.
‘The paramount ruler encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful and courageous and to embrace the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Enugu,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the special adviser thanked Asadu for standing with the returnees and complementing the Governor’s intervention.
“Coming home under circumstances you did not choose carries its own pain. Some of you left behind businesses, possessions and years of investment.
“His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, has demonstrated that your welfare matters by providing one million to each of the 77 families.
”We are grateful that you are home safely, and we will continue to support you as you rebuild.”
She described the traditional ruler’s N7.7 million intervention as an important demonstration of solidarity and community responsibility.
She further called on individuals, corporate organisations, faith-based institutions and other well-meaning citizens to support the returnees as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
