Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has transformed the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a day of tangible hope for the families left behind by Nigeria’s military personnel.
At the grand finale held on Thursday, at the Government Cenotaph in Alagbaka, the governor moved beyond traditional tributes to announce a ₦50 million interest-free microcredit loan scheme for the widows and dependents of fallen heroes.
The governor revealed that the state has not only sustained its annual loan program but has scaled it up to meet current economic realities.
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He raised the total pool for the 2026 disbursement to ₦50 million, the amount per beneficiary boosted from the previous ₦200,000 to between ₦450,000 and ₦500,000.
He selected 120 widows and dependants to benefit from this interest-free credit to bolster their small businesses.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about remembrance; it is about honour and empowerment,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
“We recognise the challenges these widows face, and we are committed to supporting them through sustained resources and recognition.”
The governor led by example, disclosing that the Emblem Appeal Fund had already attracted an initial ₦5 million.
To further bolster the fund, Aiyedatiwa announced the donation of his own one-month salary, a gesture mirrored by various individuals and corporate institutions across the state.
While honouring the dead, the governor also gave a glowing review of the living.
He particularly praised the state’s security agencies—including the Amotekun Corps—for maintaining Ondo’s reputation as one of the safest states in Nigeria.
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“Security should not be left solely to the authorities,” he reminded residents, urging them to remain vigilant and report potential threats to ensure the state remains a sanctuary of peace.
The ceremony ended with the traditional laying of wreaths and a 21-gun salute, honouring those who paid the supreme price for the nation’s survival.
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