Akeredolu Rekindles Hope For Better Life For Widows Of Fallen Soldiers

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor,  Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday, put smiles on the faces of 52 widows of some departed soldiers as he distributed lifeline in form of loans to them.

At the ceremony, which was part of the grand finale of activities marking the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, the Governor also assured people of the State that no effort would be spared in protecting them.

Mr Akeredolu hailed the Military for its efforts in the fight against terrorism, gunmen masquerading as  herdsmen, bandits and other criminals elements in the country.

He 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 died our deaths, they bore our injuries, and they lost their lives for humanity. They have indeed sacrificed their lives for us to know peace.

“My people, they deserve our praises, they deserve our honours, and they deserve our appreciations.

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

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

While presenting the Cheques to the beneficiaries of the loan facilities, 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.

He noted that the loan facility is to assist in resuscitating their trading businesses which had gone down over the years due to overbearing family commitments, which were hitherto the primary responsibility of their husbands.

Governor Akeredolu promised to continue to sustain the scheme and other packages, as would be deemed fit to make the widows self-employed, self-reliant and independent through capacity training with start-up packages.