The Federal Government on Wednesday concluded the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa as the final repatriation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with 308 returnees on board.
The aircraft, which also conveyed three government officials, touched down at about 11:30 a.m., bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated during the exercise to over 1,500.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the evacuation exercise demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly those affected by xenophobic incidents in South Africa.
She said, “President Bola Tinubu’s decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa imperiled by the spate of xenophobic incidents no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action.
“His extension of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by Anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our Nationals in crisis situations.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returning Nigerians and thanked Nigerian officials in South Africa for coordinating the evacuation exercise, which brought the operation to a successful conclusion.
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.
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