Xenophobia: Makinde Meets 30 Oyo Indigenes, Promise Job Opportunity

The Governor Of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday met with victims of Xenophobic attacks who are indigenes of the state and had to return to Nigeria over the safety of their lives.

The Deputy governor of the state, Rauf Olaniyan, who received not less than thirty returnees on behalf of the Governor, stated that the state is ready to empower the South Africa returnees.

The state Governor while receiving the 30 indigenes, stated that the would not just give them fish, but teach them how to fish.

“I want to assure you on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, that you have no reason whatsoever to go back to South Africa or anywhere again.”

“We are going to provide for you; we are here for you. The people that you left behind voted for us in your absence and we will tell them that they did not make a mistake.”

“We are not going to give you money but we will provide for your needs based on your requests when we get your needs assessment through adequate profiling so as to cater for your needs.”

“I welcome you back. You may not like this, I am happy to see you here. It is not that I like what happened to you. One of you said he left with nothing, but I tell you that is not correct. As far as you are alive there is hope and Oyo State is the hope you need because there is a new dawn in Oyo state.”

“Because the state is going to create a lot of opportunities in the area of Agribusiness, you have a lot to do. For some of you who are interested in government work, thank God the state has not recruited yet, when the time comes and you have the prerequisite qualifications, you will be considered.”

The Deputy Governor urged the returnees not to go into crime or lose hope, he further stated that life will be better for them in Oyo State, hence they should not consider returning to South Africa.

“I want to urge you all to inform other Nigerians who are still residing in Saudi Arabia and other foreign lands to return home, because there is plan in place to revolutionise agriculture to create economic opportunities for residents and there will be better plans in abundance for the returnees in Oyo State.”

He then proceeded to make cash provisions of N30,000 each available to the returnees as transport fare to their various destinations within the State, pending the assessments of their needs and further actions from the government.

Mr. Lawal Bolatito, who spoke on behalf of the returnees, appreciated the state government
and further appealed for empowerment and job opportunities for them.