Get Guardian on GoogleThe first batch of 100 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos yesterday as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) sponsors a major humanitarian effort.
Arriving at 8:30 p.m., the flight from Johannesburg was the first phase of a broader church-led relief initiative aimed at repatriating about 500 Nigerian nationals stranded in South Africa.
Speaking at the arrival reception, Special Adviser to the General Overseer (G.O.) on Special Duties, Belemina Obunge, explained that the intervention was personally authorised by the G.O., Enoch Adeboye.
Obunge, who is also the Chairman of the RCCG Task Force on Repatriation, stated that Adeboye, moved by compassion for the Nigerians, approved the funding for the airlift of 500 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos.
He added that this first batch marked the commencement of that humanitarian intervention, with additional batches expected to follow.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission in South Africa, especially the Consul General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, and Ag. High Commissioner, Amb. Temitope Ajayi, for coordinating the process on the ground.
Also, the Chairman, RCCG Central Mission Board, Amos Emoron, who led the church task force to receive to returnees alongside Obunge, assured that the evacuees were selected without any prejudice to religion, tribe or any affiliation.
Meanwhile, the RCCG noted that while it provided full funding for the charter flights, church representatives on the ground focused on spiritual support and facilitating an orderly transition to state authorities.
