By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday distributed N16 million microcredit revolving interest- free loans to 86 widows of the departed heroes and wives of the Legionnaires in the State.

Akeredolu presented cheques to the beneficiaries at the Final Parade , Laying of Wreaths and empowerment for 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa disclosed that since his administration came on board , it has been touching the lives of a considerable number of widows of the departed heroes, through the microcredit revolving loans to assist in resuscitating their trading businesses apart from other donations to the Nigerian Legion.

Each  went home with a cheque ranging from N600,000 to N100,000, depending on their businesses.

Akeredolu promised to continue to sustain the scheme and other packages as would be deemed fit to make the widows and wives of the Legionnaires self-employed and independent.      

He also praised both the departed and the living heroes for their patriotism, even as he encouraged the people to complement government’s efforts by donating generously towards the wellbeing of the Legionnaires and also by employing the services of members who are still fit in the productive enterprise.

“Indeed, we are here today to appreciate all our fallen heroes, who have shed their blood for the unity and peace of this country. They, indeed, fought a good fight for the sustainability of their fatherland. We are here to say well done to them and those who have been favoured to be alive till today.

 “It would amount to doing them the greatest injustice, just to praise them with words alone, but valuable, when it is backed up with our supports, financially and materially. My humble self, members of the State Executive Council,, among others have also donated generously to the Nigerian Legion through the emblem appeal fund”, the Governor stressed.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,Dr (Mrs) Adebunmi Osadahun acknowledged the efforts of the armed forces in promoting peace and unity in the Country.

She affirmed that the loan was given to the beneficiaries based on the recommendations of the Legion and the widows Council saying that the loan have been extended to Wives of the Legionnaires.

Also Speaking in an interview, the Chairman Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Council, Col.Olu Apata (Rtd) described the event as an annual one to remember and honour the fallen heroes and  the serving ones.

Apata lauded the State Government’s efforts at prioritizing the welfare of its members, and applauded them over the disbursement of loans to wives of the fallen heroes and Wives of legionnaires urging the government not to relent.