Armed forces remembrance day: Gov Aiyedatiwa approves ₦50m interest-free loans for widows

……Reaffirms commitment to families of fallen heroes

By Precious Oluwole

In a gesture that underscored his administration’s commitment to compassion and remembrance, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, approved ₦50 million in interest-free loans for widows of fallen heroes at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

Speaking at the event held at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure on Thursday, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains a solemn national tradition dedicated to honouring officers and men of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity.

The Governor noted that the occasion also serves as a mark of honour to living veterans and serving military personnel, while drawing attention to the sacrifices made by families left behind, particularly widows, whose resilience and strength continue to inspire the nation.

According to him, Ondo State’s observance of the Remembrance Day goes beyond ceremonial activities, as the State Government has consistently prioritised the welfare and empowerment of widows and dependants of fallen heroes.

“For us in Ondo State, this celebration will not be complete without taking responsibility for the welfare of widows of our fallen heroes. This ceremony is not just about remembrance; it is also about empowerment,” the Governor stated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the widows of the State Government’s unwavering support, stressing that their late spouses served the nation with honour and that their legacies would continue to be upheld through deliberate policies and actions.

He disclosed that the Emblem Appeal Fund was earlier launched with an initial ₦5 million donation by the State Government, alongside his personal contribution of one month’s salary and additional donations from individuals and organisations across the State.

As part of sustained empowerment efforts, the Governor announced that the interest-free micro-credit loan scheme for widows has been expanded this year, with the loan amount increased from ₦200,000 to between ₦450,000 and ₦500,000 per beneficiary.

He added that the ₦50 million approved for the scheme would accommodate more beneficiaries than in the previous year.

While assuring beneficiaries of the accessibility of the loans, Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to them to prioritise repayment in order to ensure the sustainability of the programme and enable more widows to benefit.

The Governor commended individuals, groups, government officials, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, local government chairmen and public servants who contributed to the welfare of legionnaires in the previous year, urging them to sustain their support.

He also lauded the Armed Forces, veterans and security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, for their contributions to peace and security in Ondo State, which he described as one of the most peaceful and safest states in the country.

Governor Aiyedatiwa called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and useful information, noting that security is a collective responsibility.

He concluded by urging citizens to continue to honour the legacy of the Armed Forces through unity, compassion and support for the families of fallen heroes, while offering prayers for the nation, Ondo State and the Armed Forces.

In her vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting that his commitment to empowering women and vulnerable groups went far beyond mere words.

She lauded the governor for his substantial financial support to widows, observing that it would significantly improve their livelihoods, and prayed for God’s abundant blessings on him.

Osamaye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to remembering fallen heroes and supporting their families, assuring widows of continued welfare and empowerment.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Council, Major Folorunso Ajibowu Akingboju (Rtd), said the annual event served as a reflection on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service to Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of remembering the fallen and ensuring that their families, including widows and children, were adequately cared for.

“Fallen heroes are the ones that make us able to live today. It is important to honour them and continue to support their families so they do not feel abandoned,” Major Akingboju said.

He further praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the welfare of the families of fallen heroes, noting that he had consistently provided financial support and empowerment initiatives. “We thank him for being our Governor. We are fortunate to have Dr Lucky as our Governor,” he added.

Major Akingboju also urged continued engagement from the government and other stakeholders to secure the welfare of military personnel and their families, noting that the governor was set to present a financial contribution to them during the event.

In separate interviews, some of the widows expressed appreciation to the state government and other stakeholders for sustaining their welfare. One of them, Mrs. Agnes Okeke, noted that the interest-free loan was part of the support they relied on for their livelihood, describing the initiative as commendable. She added that timely repayment would also enable beneficiaries to qualify for future loans.

However, other widows, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed to the government to further improve their welfare and ensure that support reaches all widows.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt. Ololade Gbegudu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council; members of the State House of Assembly; and various traditional rulers.