Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
IN a powerful display of solidarity, the Federal Government has expressed its profound gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for a generous donation aimed at bringing 500 distressed citizens home from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally conveyed the government’s appreciation to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, following the church’s donation of $265,854 to fund one-way tickets for Nigerians affected by ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
In a statement released in Abuja, Ministry Spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi described the gesture as a “significant demonstration of compassion” and a “genuine commitment” to providing succour to stranded Nigerians.
“This gesture further demonstrates the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good,” Mr Adeniyi said . He added that the government looks forward to working with the church’s leadership in South Africa to ensure the donation is effectively applied to the evacuation of the 500 individuals.
Ongoing Repatriation Efforts
The Federal Government commenced the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a resurgence of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa . Since then, a total of 1,640 Nigerians have been safely brought back home.
Of these, the government fully sponsored 1,385, while the remaining 255 were evacuated thanks to previous philanthropic donations . Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be cleared for their return.
The Ministry also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora, citing his recent statements at the African Union summit in Luanda, Angola, where he called for urgent action to address the recurring violence.
While thanking the RCCG, the Ministry also extended an open invitation to other private organisations and stakeholders seeking to form “impactful partnerships” to assist Nigerians abroad.
