Akure, Jan. 15, 2024 – Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday gave N30 million microcredit loans to 66 widows of dead soldiers in the state.
Aiyedatiwa presented the cheques to the beneficiaries at the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Akure.
He said the loans, which were to honour the fallen heroes, were given at zero interest rate to the beneficiaries.
He solicited for charity and assistance to dependents and widows of dead soldiers from well-meaning members of the society.
Aiyedatiwa commended the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund for raising up to N3 million and acknowledged contributions from various individuals, groups and institutions.
The governor also used the occasion to recall the memories of the immediate past Governor of the State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
“Today’s event affords us the opportunity to call to mind the memories of our late Governor, my boss and mentor, an icon, a political hero, a courageous and dogged fighter, a Civilian but Military-spirited man – Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“The gallant civilian-soldier fought doggedly alongside other South-West governors to strengthen our security architecture in the South-Western region when some forces were threatening the peaceful existence of our dear people.
”The struggle led by this perfect gentleman of blessed memory gave birth to the ‘Amotekun Corps’, the South-West Security Network, an outfit purposely established to complement the National Security Agencies,” he said.
Mrs Victoria Adegbehingbe, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor and the state government for the gesture.
She said said the annual Remembrance Day had enabled Nigerians to remember and honour their late husbands who died defending their fatherland. (GBN)
