Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called on institutions and private individuals to support the government’s empowerment initiative for the welfare of families of military personnel who have died in active service.
Speaking during the laying of wreaths and empowerment of widows of the fallen heroes in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day ceremony at the Government Cenotaph, the governor appreciated those who had contributed to the support of the welfare of the fallen heroes and their families.
According to him: “I wish to express my appreciation to individuals, groups, organisations, members of the State Executive Council and other political appointees, the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, Local Government Chairmen as well as public servants at the State and Local Government levels who contributed in support of the welfare of the Legions last year. May you continue to be richly blessed (Amen).
“I enjoin you sustain your hands of fellowship this year as we still look up to you for your usual financial support to the Legionnaires.”
The governor also presented cheques to widows of the fallen heroes under the micro-credit loan scheme specially designed for the beneficiaries.
Presenting the cheques to some of the beneficiaries, Aiyedatiwa said: “As a mark of our continual support to the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes, we have made the disbursement of interest-free loans to be part of this annual celebration in Ondo State, and the same will be replicated this year.
“The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme to the widows of the departed heroes, which is at zero interest rate, remains a unique programme that shall be sustained irrespective of the economic situation.
“This is our own little way of supporting their businesses to enable them take care of the families left behind by their breadwinners.
“Many widows will benefit from the scheme this year as it is a continuous process that has the capacity to accommodate more. The sum of N50m has only been approved and released this year to accommodate more than the number that were considered last year.
“We have increased the loan from N200,000.00 to between N450,000.00 and N500,000 per beneficiary. While assuring you that we shall continue to ensure that the loan is more accessible, we are equally appealing to the beneficiaries to join hands with the State Government to make the programme sustainable by making repayment of the loan their top priority. It is our plan to continually put smiles on the faces of the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes.
“We, therefore, crave your understanding and support to make this happen through prompt repayment of the loan.”
Aiyedatiwa seized the opportunity to commend all security agencies, including Amotekun Corps, for their efforts in the protection of lives and property.
The governor enjoined the people of the state to be vigilant and ensure they report any suspicious movements in their areas to the nearest security agencies.
Aiyedatiwa said: “As we conclude the 2026 celebration, I want to seize this opportunity to commend the efforts of all relevant stakeholders, both military and civilian institutions, who have devoted their time and resources to collaborate to make today’s event a reality.
“Kindly permit me to also use this occasion to specially thank the security agencies, including our own Amotekun Corps, who have contributed, in no small measure, to the protection of lives and property in the State.
“Your efforts are so visible and highly remarkable as our dear Sunshine State has been adjudged one of the most peaceful and safest states in Nigeria.
“We shall continue to provide the needed support within our limited resources to assist you in the discharge of your constitutional roles.
“Let me, therefore, remind all of us that it is our duty to see to the security of our environment as we cannot leave security matters entirely in the hands of security agencies alone.
“I want to, once more, charge you to be vigilant and be security conscious and give the security agencies the needed information within your vicinity. This is the only way we can assist in nipping in the bud any security challenge that can snowball into an irredeemable situation,” the governor said.
Nevertheless, Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the people to continue to extend hands of fellowship to the families of the fallen heroes.
He said: “Let me reiterate that we must continue to support one another and build a community that honours the legacy of our Armed Forces through action and compassion. Let us ensure that the memory of the brave souls we honour today lives in our hearts and actions.”
