Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has received 24 returnees from Libya, promising to assist and reintegrate them into the society.
The Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, received them on behalf of the governor in Owerri, the state capital. The governor pledged the government’s commitment to helping them to set up businesses to grow them. Okorocha urged them not to be demoralized and look forward to what the future holds for them.
He said every Imo citizen is important, and explained that an enlightenment mentorship programme, would enable them to be part of the society, which they had left for another country. One of the returnees, David Chimezie, recounted his experience in Libya, regretting that he passed through hell in desert.
According to him, as they were entering the Mediteranian Sea, they had a boat mishap, leading to the death of about 180 people. He said a team from the United Nations was alerted, adding that it was its timely intervention that rescued them.
Another returnee, Paul Joseph, said he had stayed in Libya for 19 years, regretting that with the way the government of that country behaved; there was no regard for human rights. He disclosed that the Libyans forced most Nigerian girls into marriage.
Joseph regretted that he could not bring back most of his property.
