OPM Founder Offers Free Housing to Nigerians Fleeing Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
Chibuzor Chinenye Pledges Free Housing Support for Nigerians Returning From South Africa
The founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has offered free housing support to Nigerians returning from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country. The humanitarian intervention comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and increasing calls for urgent government action to protect affected citizens.
According to reports, the cleric said Nigerians forced to leave South Africa due to violence and insecurity would receive accommodation support upon their return to Nigeria. He also urged the Federal Government to intensify repatriation efforts for citizens willing to return home.
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OPM Founder Condemns Xenophobic Attacks
Speaking from his residence in Port Harcourt, Chinyere strongly condemned the attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa. He described the violence as disturbing and unacceptable, particularly given Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The cleric called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to accelerate emergency evacuation and repatriation plans for Nigerians affected by the crisis. According to him, many Nigerians in South Africa have established businesses, employed local residents and contributed positively to the economy despite facing recurring hostility.
He also criticised South African authorities over what he described as inadequate responses to recurring xenophobic violence targeting migrants and foreign-owned businesses.
Free Housing Initiative Announced
As part of his intervention, Chinyere announced that OPM would provide free housing for Nigerians returning from South Africa who lack accommodation or financial stability after repatriation.
The initiative reflects OPM’s broader humanitarian activities, which have previously included educational support, housing assistance and welfare programmes for vulnerable individuals across Nigeria.
Housing and welfare analysts note that displaced returnees often face reintegration challenges linked to unemployment, accommodation costs and social instability, making temporary housing support important during humanitarian crises.
Federal Government Moves Toward Evacuation Plans
The housing offer comes as the Federal Government reportedly reiterated plans to evacuate Nigerians willing to leave South Africa following the renewed tensions. According to reports, authorities have begun discussions around emergency arrangements for affected citizens.
Recent reports indicate that hundreds of Nigerians have already expressed interest in returning home due to fears over escalating xenophobic violence.
The issue has also generated discussions within Nigeria’s political and diplomatic circles, with lawmakers and community leaders urging stronger bilateral engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address migrant safety concerns.
Xenophobia Remains a Recurring Concern
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, often targeting migrants and foreign-owned businesses from other African countries. Nigerians have frequently been among those affected during outbreaks of violence and anti-immigrant protests.
Analysts attribute recurring tensions to factors including unemployment, economic inequality, crime concerns and anti-immigrant sentiment within parts of South African society. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger protection measures and more effective law enforcement responses to prevent attacks on foreign nationals.
The latest developments have renewed concerns among members of the Nigerian diaspora community and prompted calls for improved diplomatic engagement between both countries.
Housing Support Highlights Growing Humanitarian Role of Faith-Based Organisations
The intervention by OPM reflects the growing role faith-based and non-governmental organisations continue to play in providing humanitarian support and emergency welfare services in Nigeria.
Religious organisations across the country have increasingly participated in housing support, educational assistance, healthcare interventions and disaster relief programmes, particularly during periods of economic hardship and displacement.
Urban development experts note that temporary accommodation support can significantly reduce reintegration pressures for returning migrants and displaced individuals, especially in major urban centres where rental costs remain high.
Outlook
The free housing initiative announced by Chibuzor Gift Chinyere highlights the humanitarian concerns surrounding renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa and the growing need for coordinated support systems for affected Nigerians. As repatriation discussions continue, housing assistance and welfare programmes may become increasingly important for returning citizens seeking stability and reintegration.
The situation also underscores broader diplomatic and migration-related challenges between Nigeria and South Africa, with policymakers likely to face increasing pressure to strengthen citizen protection measures and long-term diaspora engagement strategies.
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