Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Aiyedatiwa gives N35m non-interest loan to 51 widows of fallen heroes

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday disbursed N35 million in loans to 51 widows of fallen heroes in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who handed cheques to the beneficiaries at the Cenotaph in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, stated that the gesture was made to support the widows as breadwinners of their families.

While disclosing this during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, disclosed that the micro-credit loan scheme would be zero-interest-free.

The governor, who stressed the need for financial and material support for the dependents of fallen heroes, commended the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund and acknowledged contributions from various individuals, groups, and institutions.

He said: “For us in Ondo State, this celebration will not be complete without attending to the welfare of widows of the fallen heroes. This day is, therefore, not just about remembrance; it is also about empowerment.

“To the widows of the fallen heroes, we recognise the challenges you face and the sacrifices you continue to make. We are committed to supporting you, ensuring that you have the resources, opportunities, and recognition you deserve.

“Your loved ones served with honour, and we have vowed to honour their legacies by standing with you in solidarity, not only with words but also through our actions. Today’s ceremony will be more worthwhile if it is backed up with financial and material support for the legionnaires and the well-being of widows and dependents of these patriotic heroes.

“As a mark of our continual support to the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes, we have made the disbursement of interest-free loans to be part of the annual celebration in Ondo State, and the same will be replicated this year.

“The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme for the widows of the departed heroes, which is at a zero-interest rate, remains a unique program that shall be sustained irrespective of the economic situation. This is our own little way of supporting their businesses to enable them to take care of the families left behind by their breadwinners.”