‘They deserve our praises’ — Aiyedatiwa honours soldiers on Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo state, says the armed forces of Nigeria deserves commendation. 

Aiyedatiwa spoke at the final parade and laying of wreaths in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He noted that the celebration is a culture of honour for military heroes and the highest way of showing respect to those who lost their lives in wars and various military assignments.

“These people deserve our praises, they deserve our honours, they deserve our appreciations, but words alone would not be enough when in fact they demand our charity works, labour of love and supports to their dependants and widows in cash and kind,” he said.

“For in no small measure, they have sacrificed their lives to attain for us the relative peace we enjoy today in Nigeria and neighboring Communities.

“Dear good people of the Sunshine state, I am also deeply convinced that today’s event affords us the opportunity to call to mind the memories of our late governor, my boss and mentor, an icon, a political hero, a courageous and dogged fighter, a civilian but military-spirited man – Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.

“The gallant civilian-soldier fought doggedly alongside other south-west governors to strengthen our security architecture in the south western region when some forces were threatening the peaceful existence of our dear people.

“The struggle, led by this perfect gentleman of blessed memory, gave birth to the ‘Amotekun Corps’, the south-west security network, an outfit purposely established to complement the national security agencies.

“This showed his avowed love and commitment to the security of lives and property of not only the people of the Sunshine state but that of the entire south-west.

“We owe him a great honour. We owe him our salute; we owe him our gratitude so that the works and struggle of this gallant hero will not be in vain. Let us continue to remember the family and friends he left behind in our thoughts and prayers.”

Aiyedatiwa also added that the state is committed to the welfare of its security operatives.

“Gentlemen, today’s ceremony would only be meaningful and valuable, when it is backed up with our supports, financially and materially to the Legionnaire for the well-being of the widows and dependants of these patriotic heroes,” he said.

“On the part of government, to show our commitment, we did launch the Emblem Appeal in December, 14th 2023 with the sum of N3m aside the donations from other well-wishers both at individual and institutional levels.

“The micro-credit loan scheme for the widows of the departed heroes which is at zero interest rate remains a unique programme of this administration.

“This is to support their businesses to enable them take care of themselves and their children. Last year, many widows benefitted from the micro-credit revolving loan. We have made provision for another sum of N30 million for this purpose this year.”

He assured of the government’s commitment to the welfare, progress and development of all sectors in Ondo.