The Governor of Hope Uzodimma has approved the release of ₦300 million to support Imo indigenes recently returned from South Africa and students of the Nigerian Law School from the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, 250 returnees from South Africa will receive ₦1 million each as a rehabilitation and reintegration grant. In addition, 100 Imo State students at the Nigerian Law School will receive ₦500,000 each to help offset the rising cost of living.

Emelumba said the governor approved the intervention after appeals from the beneficiaries and in response to the challenges they currently face.

“The law students made a passionate appeal to His Excellency to support them to cushion the global inflation as regards the cost of living. As a caring father, he responded promptly,” the commissioner said.

He added that the support for the South African returnees was driven by the governor’s concern for their welfare following their return to Nigeria.

According to Emelumba, Uzodimma believes the returnees, who were forced to leave South Africa, require government assistance to help them resettle and reintegrate into society with minimal hardship.

The commissioner also noted that the intervention aligns with the administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, which seeks to support citizens alongside ongoing infrastructure development across the state.

He further recalled that the governor has previously provided assistance to law students from Imo State, many of whom are beneficiaries of government scholarships.