By JosephineOguntoyinbo,
Adekola Afolabi &
Jimoh Ahmed

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The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, at the weekend distributed N7.5million microcredit revolving loans to 52 widows of  departed heroes in the state.

Akeredolu presented cheques to the beneficiaries at the final parade and laying of wreaths for 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at Government Cenotaph,  Akure.

The Governor disclosed that since his administration came on board in 2017, it has been touching the lives of a considerable number of the widows of the departed heroes, through the microcredit revolving loans, to assist in resuscitating their  businesses which had gone down over the years due to overbearing family commitments, which were hitherto the primary responsibility of their husbands.

Each beneficiary 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 deemed fit to make the widows self-employed, self-reliant and independent through  start-up packages.

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 .

“Indeed, we are here today to appreciate all our fallen heroes, both military and civilians as well, 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.

“We on our part, without mincing words, have come to praise them, both the departed and the living, for their patriotism. They paid for our deaths, they bore our injuries, and they lost their lives for humanity.  They have indeed sacrificed their lives for us to know peace.

“It would amount to doing them the greatest injustice, just to praise them with words alone, but will be valuable when it is backed up with our supports, financially and materially”, the Governor stressed.

He equally appreciated  those in charge of the security apparatus in the State including the Amotekun Corps for their efforts at ensuring there is peace and order  adding that government recognized and acknowledged their efforts as well as saluted their gallantry and sacrifices.

Others who laid wreaths after Governor Akeredolu include, Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Yakubu Yahaya; Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operation Base, Igbokoda, Commodore, A. Zubairu; Commissioner of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi; the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun; the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye; State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Olu Apata (Rtd); the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; a Widow, and the Chairman, Akure South Local Government.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development,Dr Adebunmi Osadahun acknowledged the efforts of the forces in promoting peace and unity in the country.

The event was attended by the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, other members of the State Executive Council, widows of the fallen heroes, among several other dignitaries.