Follow Us on Google
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conveyed the Federal Government’s gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to purchase 500 one-way tickets to evacuate distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, described the donation as a testament to the compassion, solidarity, and commitment of the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer, toward helping Nigerians facing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
“This gesture demonstrates the power of collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions in addressing social challenges.
“We look forward to working with the church’s leadership in South Africa as these funds are applied to the evacuation,” Adeniyi stated.
Adeniyi recalled that the Federal Government commenced evacuations on June 10, 2026, following renewed attacks. Since then, 1,640 Nigerians have returned home—1,385 sponsored by the government and 255 through philanthropic donations. Currently, 202 Nigerians await final clearance from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
He noted that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg have continued to assist affected citizens through community associations.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to diaspora welfare under President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy framework.
He cited the president’s address at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly on August 30, 2026, in Luanda, Angola, where he called for urgent continental action against xenophobia.
The Ministry reiterated its openness to partnerships with private organisations, development partners, and philanthropists to support citizens abroad.
