Ebonyi State Government Evacuates Stranded Indigenes Back Home.

The Ebonyi State Government has successfully evacuated about 800 indigenes who were stranded in Lagos State following a demolition exercise in the Ilaje area.

The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Government, resulted in the destruction of structures deemed illegal, leaving many residents, including Ebonyi indigenes, without homes, forcing them to live in precarious conditions.

The affected individuals, including men, women, and children as young as three and four years old, were found living under bridges and in open spaces, highlighting the dire need for intervention.

Upon receiving reports of the situation, Governor Francis Nwifuru ordered their immediate evacuation, demonstrating the state government’s dedication to the well-being of its citizens.

The operation was coordinated by Valentine Okike, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person for Ebonyi People Living in the Diaspora. Okike worked tirelessly to ensure the safe transportation of the returnees back to Ebonyi State using coaster buses.

The successful evacuation is a testament to the state government’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of its citizens, particularly those in distress.

The returnees, who were visibly relieved to be back in their home state, were received with open arms by government officials and support staff. The state government has emphasized its commitment to supporting these individuals, with efforts already underway to profile the returnees and provide assistance to help them reintegrate and rebuild their lives.

According to government sources, the profiling exercise will enable the state to identify the specific needs of each returnee, including their skills, education, and employment status. This information will inform the provision of targeted support, such as vocational training, education, and employment opportunities, to help the returnees get back on their feet.

The Ebonyi State Government’s response to the crisis has been hailed as a model for other states to follow. The government’s swift and decisive action has not only alleviated the suffering of its citizens but also demonstrated a strong commitment to their welfare. As one of the returnees, who wished to remain anonymous, noted,

“We are grateful to the Ebonyi State Government for coming to our rescue. We were living in very difficult conditions, and we didn’t know what to do. But now, we have hope again, and we are looking forward to rebuilding our lives,” some of them enthused.

The exercise is part of the state government’s broader efforts to support its citizens, both within and outside the state. The government has established a special department to cater to the needs of Ebonyi indigenes living in the diaspora, providing them with support and assistance whenever needed.

In a statement, Governor Nwifuru reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all Ebonyi citizens, stating, “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our citizens are safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. The repatriation of our stranded indigenes from Lagos is just one example of our dedication to their well-being, and we will continue to explore innovative ways to support them in the days ahead.”

As the returnees settle back into their home state, the Ebonyi State Government’s proactive response to the crisis serves as a beacon of hope for other states to follow. The government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens is a shining example of effective governance, and its efforts to support the repatriated indigenes will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their lives.