RCCG donates $265,854 to bring 500 distressed Nigerians home from South Africa

The Federal Government has hailed the donation of $265,854 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to help evacuate 500 distressed Nigerians returning home from South Africa. The church's leader, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, made the generous contribution to support the flight tickets for the Nigerian citizens facing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the neighboring country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement on Friday, describing the donation as a "major act of compassion and solidarity towards Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad." The support was particularly crucial for those "faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa." The partnership between the Federal Government and the church exemplifies the importance of collaboration between public institutions and faith-based organizations in addressing humanitarian challenges.

So far, 1,640 Nigerians have been successfully evacuated and returned home, with the Federal Government fully funding 1,385 citizens and philanthropic donations covering the remaining 255. Another 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening before evacuation. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad and appealed for continued support from various stakeholders in addressing the issues of xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.