Sixth Batch of Stranded Nigerians Finally Home: 40 More Returnees Touch Down in Lagos.

It was a night of mixed emotions at the Lagos Airport on Friday as another 40 Nigerians made it back home from South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees in the sixth evacuation batch to 1,174.

The returnees arrived via a chartered flight, joining earlier groups that came through Air Peace across four flights carrying 258, 266, 262, and 282 passengers respectively, plus a Value Jet flight with 66 passengers.

A Warm Welcome and Helping Hands:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) reported that government agencies were on ground to properly document and receive the returnees. The welcome committee included officials from NEMA, the Refugees Commission, the Nigerian Immigration Service, FAAN, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and various security agencies.

But it wasn't just officialdom that showed up generous Nigerians from all walks of life came forward to support their compatriots in need.

Financial Support and Donations Pour In:

The returnees from Imo State got a special boost, with Governor Hope Uzodimma gifting each of them ₦1 million. Telecommunications giant MTN also stepped up, offering free SIM packs valued at ₦50,000 along with ₦100,000 paid directly into each returnee's bank account.

Edo and Delta states weren't left behind either, with officials from both states announcing their own incentive packages for indigenes among the returnees.

Promises of Empowerment:

Beyond immediate cash support, there's hope for the future. The JAAL Foundation has pledged empowerment support for 50 female returnees.

The returnees expressed deep gratitude to Chibuzor Chinwe, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, who has been providing free accommodation to about 52 Nigerian returnees, along with skills acquisition programs for families and free education for their children up to university level.

Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church also opened his heart and wallet, giving ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees, while real estate firm Cruxstone provided cash support to the first set of returnees.

Thanking Those Who Made It Possible:

The returnees were full of appreciation for President Bola Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation. They also thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Nigeria's Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Alexander Ajayi; and NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose staff were present to receive them.

The entire operation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government, private sector, and individuals come together to help fellow Nigerians in distress.