The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has welcomed 105 Nigerians who were recently repatriated from South Africa under the church's humanitarian intervention. In a post on X, Adeboye expressed gratitude to God for the safe journey of the returnees. The repatriation was made possible through the church's funding of air transportation from Johannesburg to Lagos. This effort is part of a larger initiative to bring back at least 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa.
The returnees, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, are the first batch of Nigerians to be repatriated under this humanitarian intervention. The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa had made an appeal for assistance, leading to the RCCG's involvement. According to Adeboye, the church will continue to pray for the returnees as the government completes the processes required to reunite them with their families.
The Chairman of the RCCG Task Force for the Reception of Nigerian Returnees from South Africa, Pastor Belemina Obunge, revealed that Adeboye approved the funding for the air transportation on humanitarian grounds. Obunge emphasized that the returnees were Nigerians who had been profiled and documented by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and the South African Home Affairs authorities. The beneficiaries were not selected based on their membership of the RCCG.
The repatriation process involves collaboration between the RCCG and various government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. These agencies received the returnees at the airport and commenced profiling. After profiling, the returnees are expected to be transported to their respective state capitals.
Obunge stressed that the returnees include Nigerians of different faiths, such as Muslims and Christians. The RCCG ensured intentional collaboration with government agencies to facilitate the repatriation process. The church's funding covers the air transportation from Johannesburg to Lagos, while government agencies handle the reception and onward movement of the returnees.
The repatriation will continue in batches due to the documentation and clearance processes in South Africa. Obunge urged Nigerians still stranded in South Africa to approach the Nigerian diplomatic mission for assistance with their documentation. This effort aims to provide relief to Nigerians facing challenges in South Africa.
The RCCG's humanitarian intervention demonstrates the church's commitment to supporting its members and Nigerians in need. With the successful repatriation of the first batch, the church and government agencies will continue to work together to ensure the safe return of the remaining Nigerians.
Key points
- 105 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa under RCCG's humanitarian intervention.
- RCCG funds air transportation for repatriation, government agencies handle reception and onward movement.
- At least 500 Nigerians expected to be repatriated under this humanitarian intervention.
