RCCG DONATES $265,854 TO EVACUATE DISTRESSED NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would provide 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home following xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.

The ministry, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, described the gesture by the church led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity with affected Nigerians.

The Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerian nationals have been evacuated so far, with the government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 people.

It said the remaining 255 Nigerians were evacuated through philanthropic donations, while 202 others are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.

The ministry said Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg were continuing to engage Nigerian community associations and other channels to assist citizens who wished to return home.

It added that the Federal Government would continue discussions with South African authorities to address recurring cases of xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians.

The ministry also linked the government’s response to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, 2026, where he raised concerns over recurring attacks in South Africa.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and welcomed partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to support affected citizens.