Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disbursed the sum of N35m to 51 widows of fallen soldiers under the state government Resettlement and Empowerment Loan scheme.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the loan was interest free and urged the beneficiaries to pay back for them to have access to bigger loans.

Represented by his Deputy, Olayide Adelami at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance day, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the gesture was the highest way to showing respect to fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Aiyedatiwa said the celebration would not be complete without attending to the welfare of widows of the fallen heroes.

He noted that the day was not about remembrance but also about empowerment.

According to him, “To widows of the fallen heroes, we recognise the challenges you face and the sacrifices you continue to make. We are committed to supporting you, ensuring that you have the resources, opportunities and recognition you deserve.

“Your loved ones served with honour and we have vowed to honour their legacies by standing with you in solidarity not only with words but equally through our actions. Today’s ceremony will be more worthwhile if it is backed up with financial and material supports to the legionnaire and well- being of widows and dependants of these patriotic heroes.

“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.

“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.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also promised to provide a level playing ground for all political parties during Saturday’s local government elections.