The governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday, July 14, came to the rescue of 50 Nigerians who were helpless and sleeping around in the streets of Russia after their agents whom they paid over one million naira (1,000,000) failed to provide them jobs as promised.
Some of them allegedly used the official Fan IDs to come to Russia with the assurance of finding work or even playing professional football themselves.
Others said they came to watch World Cup matches but got stranded when their return plane tickets were cancelled by bogus travel agencies that booked them.
A motivational speaker, Nnamdi Odimegwu, via his Instagram page, said he was in the company of the governor when he extended the gesture.
He said:
“I had a pick up arrangement today at the airport in Moscow and had a rare privilege of meeting his excellency, the governor of Lagos state.
“I quickly introduced myself while I waited for my pick up arrangement to come out. We had a small chat and exchanged knowledge and wisdom while I waited.
He bade me farewell as his pick-up arrangement had arrived.
“After a few minutes, my pick up arrived as well so we set out to the car park. As soon as we came out of the airport, I saw a crowd of over 50 Nigerians who had been stranded at the airport for almost 10-15 days now, and in their middle was this same man, His excellency, Governor Ambode.
“As I type this, 19 out of this 50 are already on air to Lagos Nigeria, the remaining 31 are leaving this evening.
His excellency also fed them all as he gave them cash to eat while they waited for their tickets to fly home.
“I am only writing this to express my gratitude to a man that has shown that not all politicians are the same.
“Kindly help as much as you can. Nigeria will only be built or destroyed by Nigerians. The integrity of our Nation is at stake. Follow this same example; If you have the well withal. THIS IS NOT A CAMPAIGN BUT A SIMPLE SHOW OF LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS.“