By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin
In fulfillment of is earlier promise, the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II on Wednesday began the payment of N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) monthly stipend for Libya returnees in Edo state.
The traditional ruler, during a courtesy call by a cross session of Libya returnees, promised to place 178 survivors on monthly stipends for three months.
The returnees were among illegal migrants from troubled North Africa countries from the state in search for greener pastures.
Oba Ewuare II Foundation was the clearing house for the gesture.
Secretary of the Foundation, Esosa Eremwanarue gave the N20, 000 stipend on Wednesday in Benin City on behalf of the Oba of Benin .
The Secretary of the Foundation in an interview with journalists after the event stated that the money given to the returnees was in fulfilment of the Oba of Benin gestures he promised them the last time they visited him at the palace.
Esosa, who also is the private Secretary to the Oba Ewuare II noted that the exercise would be done monthly as pronounced by the Oba for a period of three months.
He revealed that the Foundation would empower the returnees in various skills acquisition programme as part of efforts to reintegrate them into the society and discourage future prospective migrants from embarking on such deadly adventure.
The beneficiaries implored corporate organizations to emulate the monarch gesture by engaging youths in meaningful ventures.
The event was the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, Broadcaster, Habiibah Oyarekhua, and Queen of the Face of Edo Beauty Pageant, Miss. Ifueko Aideyan and among others.
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