In commemoration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed the government’s commitment to assisting the widows of military personnel who have passed away while serving the nation. During the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the government cenotaph in Akure, the state capital, the governor announced a provision of N30 million for “no-interest” rate loans to the widows of fallen heroes through the state Micro-Credit Loan Scheme.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the significance of the Micro-Credit Loan Scheme for widows, stating that it is a unique programme of the administration aimed at supporting their businesses, enabling them to care for themselves and their children. He highlighted that many widows had benefited from the micro-credit revolving loan in the previous year, and an additional N30 million had been allocated for this purpose in the current year.
However, the governor expressed concern over the alleged poor repayment attitude of some beneficiaries and appealed to them to cooperate with the government to ensure the sustainability of the scheme. He assured that the government would continue to make the loan more accessible and called on beneficiaries to prioritize the prompt repayment of the loan to support the program’s longevity.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs cum Social Development, Mrs. Adebunmi Osadahun, acknowledged the efforts of the armed forces in promoting peace and unity in the country. She confirmed that the loans were provided based on the recommendations of the Legion and the widows council. Additionally, she noted that various contributions had been made by the state governor, state executive council, and others to the appeal fund, which would be handed over to the Nigerian Legion in the state.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families for the security and unity of the nation. The commitment of Ondo State’s government to support the widows of fallen heroes through financial assistance reflects a recognition of their enduring sacrifices and the importance of their welfare.
