Sam Philip
No fewer than 51 widows of fallen heroes received Interest-free loans in Ondo State on Wednesday.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved a sum of N35 million Interest-free loans to the windows.
He disclosed this at the final parade and laying of wreaths in commemoration of the fallen heroes in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday at Alagbaka Cenotaph.
Cheques were presented to the beneficiary-widows at the venue of the event by the governor.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, the governor said: “As a mark of our continual support to the widows and dependants 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.
“The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme to the widows of the departed heroes which is at zero interest rate remains a unique programme which shall be sustained irrespective of the economic situation.
“This is our own little way of supporting their businesses to enable them take care of the families left behind by their breadwinners.
“Sixty-one widows benefitted from the scheme last year and 51 have been shortlisted as part of the first batch that would be considered this year as it is a continuous process that has the capacity to accommodate more as soon as all the processes have been completed.
“The sum of N35 million 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.
“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.
“It is our plan to continually put smiles on the faces of the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes without waiting for the annual celebration.
“We, therefore, crave your understanding and support to make this happen through prompt repayment of the loan.”
Speaking on the security situation in the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated all security agencies in the state, including the State Security Network otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, for their efforts.
He also charged the people of the state to join hands with all security agencies in the state to combat crime by volunteering information that could help them nip crime in the bud
The governor said: “As we conclude this year’s celebration, I want to seize this opportunity to commend the efforts of all stakeholders both military and civilians who have devoted their time and resources to collaborate in order to make today’s event a reality.
“Kindly permit me to also use this occasion to thank specially the military and all the security agencies, including our own Amotekun Corps who, in no small measure, have been providing the needed support to complement the efforts of the regular security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the State.
“Your efforts are so visible and highly remarkable as our dear Sunshine State has been adjudged one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria.
“We shall continue to provide the needed support within our limited resources to assist you in the discharge of your constitutional roles.
“Let me remind all of us that it is our duty to see to the security of our environment as we cannot leave security matters entirely in the hands of security agencies.
“I, therefore, charge you all to be vigilant, say something, whenever you see anything strange within your vicinity. This is the only way we can assist the security agencies to quickly nip in the bud any security challenge that can snowball into catastrophic situation.”