Second Batch of Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive Lagos
The second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The 66 returnees landed at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday as part of the Federal Government’s evacuation programme approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The exercise followed the arrival of the first batch of 258 evacuees, who returned to Nigeria on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
Speaking at the airport, the Head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Lagos, Dipo Onabowale, said the latest evacuation was made possible through the support of Kunle Soname, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet.
He added that officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees back to the country.
Representing NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Onabowale commended President Tinubu for approving the evacuation of stranded Nigerians.
He noted that challenges encountered during the first phase of the exercise were being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to him, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has assured that all Nigerians who registered for evacuation in South Africa would be brought home.
NiDCOM also announced support packages for the returnees.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
