In commemoration of the 2025 armed forces remembrance day and as part of his commitment to empower families of the fallen heroes, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted an interest-free loan of thirty-five million naira to the widows of fallen heroes in the state.
Speaking during the armed forces remembrance day celebration in Akure, on Wednesday, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the gesture was a way of supporting the families of the fallen heroes to be self-reliant.
He said, “The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme to the widows of the departed heroes, which is at zero interest rate, remains a unique programme that will be sustained irrespective of the economic situation
“The sum of N35million only has been approved this year to accommodate more than the number that were considered last year. 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 repayment of the loan their top priorities”.
The governor assured the security agencies that his administration will continue to make the loan disbursement as a component of the armed forces remembrance day every year.
“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 same will be replicated this year.
“For beneficiaries that are able to fully repay the loan before the next celebration, the loan shall not be a yearly affair for them, rather they will have the opportunity to access even higher amount immediately they are able to defray whatever amount that is advanced to them”, the governor reiterated.
In her remarks, the state commissioner for women affairs and social development, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, appreciated the governor for coming to the plight of the widows of the fallen heroes in the state, adding that the state government had earlier committed some resources to the emblem appeal that would also go into the widows empowerment.
On his part, Chairman of Ondo state legion, Retired Colonel Olu Apata, thanked the governor for the provision of free-interest loan to the widows, urging them to make good use of the loan and ensure quick repayment.
Appreciating the gesture on behalf of the beneficiaries, the state coordinator of Military Widows’ Association (MIWA), Amusa Alarape, said the loan will go along way in boosting their businesses and support their families. She thanked the government for making the loan disbursement an annual ritual and pledged that they will use the money judiciously.
Highlight of the event was the final parade, and laying of wreaths by the governor and others top military officers, including the commander of 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, Major Gen. John Lar.
