As the nation celebrates the Armed Forces Remembrance Day today, Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the government remained committed to assisting widows of military men who had passed away while serving their fatherland.
The governor spoke at the final parade and laying of wreaths in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the government cenotaph in Akure, the state capital.
At the ceremony, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the government had made provision for a sum of N30 million for the provision of “no interest” rate loans to the widows of the fallen heroes.
The loans were made available through the state Micro-Credit Loan Scheme.
The governor said: ” The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme for the widows of the departed heroes which is at zero interest rate remains a unique programme of this administration. This is to support their businesses to enable them to take care of themselves and their children. Last year, many widows benefitted from the micro-credit revolving loan, we have made provision for another sum of N30 million only for this purpose this year.”
However, the governor decried the attitude of some of the beneficiaries who allegedly were not repaying the loans, appealing to them to cooperate with the government to repay for the sustenance of the scheme.
“We are aware of the various complaints surrounding this loan scheme and the poor attitude of some widows especially towards the repayment of these loans. While assuring you that we shall continue to make the loan more accessible, we are equally appealing to the beneficiaries to join hands with the government to make the programme sustainable by making prompt repayment of the loan a priority. Our administration plans to continually put smiles on the faces of the widows and children of the fallen heroes. We, therefore, crave your understanding and support to make it sustainable.”
Earlier, in her remarks, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adebunmi Osadahun, who acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces in promoting peace and unity in the country, affirmed that the loan was given to the beneficiaries based on the recommendations of the Legion and the Widows Council.
The commissioner also noted that the state governor, state executive council and others had donated to the appeal fund which would be handed over to the Nigerian Legion in the state.
