The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has donated $265,854 to the Federal Government to support the repatriation of 500 Nigerians from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic violence in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the donation would be used to purchase 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.
Adeniyi described the contribution as a “significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians who are faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa”.
“This gesture further demonstrates the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good,” the statement reads.
“We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to working with the church’s leadership in South Africa, as the generous donation is applied to the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians.”
The Federal Government began the repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa in June and has so far brought back 1,640 citizens.
According to Adeniyi, 255 of those repatriated were supported through philanthropic donations.
In early August, Alexander Ajayi, Nigeria’s acting high commissioner to South Africa, told TheCable that the Nigerian High Commission was seeking partners to sponsor return tickets for citizens who were unable to participate in the initial repatriation exercise.
Later that month, two repatriation flights facilitated by private individuals arrived in Lagos.
Adeniyi added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be repatriated.
He said the ministry remains open to meaningful partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to support Nigerians in distress.
The ministry also noted that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain available to assist Nigerians who wish to return home.