Ondo Govt unveils ₦50m interest-free loan for widows of fallen Heroes

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has unveiled a ₦50 million interest-free support package for widows and dependants of fallen military heroes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to their welfare and economic empowerment.

The governor made the announcement on Thursday during the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration held at the Government Cenotaph in Alagbaka, Akure.

Aiyedatiwa described the annual ceremony as a solemn national obligation that honours the courage and sacrifice of fallen heroes, while also recognising the service of living veterans and active military personnel safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He noted that beyond remembrance, the occasion serves as a platform to demonstrate tangible support for widows of fallen heroes, whose resilience and sacrifices, he said, deserve continuous recognition and empowerment.

According to the governor, the Ondo State Government remains conscious of the economic challenges faced by widows of deceased service personnel and has prioritised sustained welfare interventions to improve their livelihoods.

He disclosed that the Emblem Appeal Fund launched ahead of the celebration had so far attracted an initial sum of ₦5 million, alongside his personal donation of one month’s salary, in addition to contributions from individuals and corporate organisations.

As part of the empowerment initiative for 2026, the governor announced the approval and release of ₦50 million for the disbursement of interest-free microcredit loans to 120 widows and dependants of fallen heroes across the state.

He explained that the zero-interest loan scheme, which has become a consistent feature of the state’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day programme, would be sustained regardless of prevailing economic conditions. The loan amount per beneficiary has been increased from ₦200,000 to between ₦450,000 and ₦500,000 to better support small businesses and family welfare.

Aiyedatiwa commended security agencies and other stakeholders for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the 2026 remembrance activities, paying special tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and the Amotekun Corps for their roles in maintaining peace and security in the state.

He noted that Ondo State has continued to rank among the most peaceful states in the country and assured that his administration would maintain institutional support for security agencies within available resources. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

In her vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, praised the governor for translating commitment to women empowerment into concrete action.

She described the financial intervention as a significant boost to the economic stability of widows and vulnerable families, reaffirming the government’s resolve to continue supporting families of fallen heroes.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Ololade Gbegudu; the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Bayo Philip; APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.