Governor Fortunate Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has reiterated that the safety of lives and property stays a high precedence of his administration, stressing that peace and security are the muse upon which {economic} development, social stability and growth thrive.
The governor, who made this declaration whereas talking in the course of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration in Akure, mentioned that the peace being loved within the state is the results of deliberate investments in safety structure, intelligence-led policing and robust collaboration amongst safety companies, Amotekun Corps and communities.
Aiyedatiwa affirmed that his authorities will proceed to offer logistical and operational assist to safety companies inside accessible assets to boost their effectiveness.
He warned that the federal government alone can not assure safety with out the lively participation of residents, describing safety as a shared duty that begins on the neighborhood degree.
Aiyedatiwa urged residents to stay vigilant, security-conscious and proactive in reporting suspicious actions and actions to related authorities, noting that well timed data stays the simplest device for stopping crime and averting crises.
The governor additional underscored the position of native intelligence and neighborhood engagement in addressing rising safety threats earlier than they escalate, including that early intervention has helped the state nip potential safety breaches within the bud.
In keeping with him, a tradition of silence or indifference solely emboldens felony components, whereas cooperation between residents and safety companies strengthens public security.
Aiyedatiwa, whereas commending the Armed Forces, police and different safety companies, together with the Amotekun Corps, described their sacrifices and professionalism as central to Ondo State’s standing as one of the peaceable states within the nation.
He assured them of the federal government’s continued assist, whereas additionally reaffirming his administration’s dedication to insurance policies that defend harmless residents and safeguard private and non-private belongings.
The governor concluded by calling for sustained unity, vigilance and collective resolve to protect peace throughout the state, stressing {that a} safe Ondo State is crucial for attracting funding, empowering residents and honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes.
He burdened that whereas the fallen heroes paid the supreme value in defence of the nation’s sovereignty, their households should not be deserted to hardship, saying his administration has intentionally institutionalised empowerment as a core part of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ondo State.
As a part of this coverage, the governor introduced the approval and launch of N50 million for the 2026 interest-free Micro-Credit score Mortgage Scheme for widows of fallen heroes, a rise from earlier years.
Aiyedatiwa additional disclosed that particular person mortgage assist has been scaled up from N200,000 to between N450,000 and N500,000 per beneficiary, enabling widows to develop their small companies and maintain their households.
“We recognise the significance of giving {financial} and materials assist to the legionnaires, widows and dependants of those patriotic heroes.
“As a part of our dedication on this regard, we earlier launched the Emblem Enchantment Fund with the sum of N5m other than my private donation of a month’s wage in addition to different donations from well-wishers, each at particular person and institutional ranges”
Aiyedatiwa assured that the zero-interest mortgage scheme can be sustained regardless of prevailing {economic} challenges, describing it as an ethical obligation reasonably than a discretionary intervention.
He, nevertheless, appealed to beneficiaries to prioritise immediate reimbursement to make sure the sustainability and growth of the programme for others.
Beneficiaries of the interest-free mortgage scheme, Mrs Adeola Olaoye, recommended the state authorities for the well timed assist unveiled in the course of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, describing it as a significant empowerment initiative for widows and dependents of fallen heroes.
She mentioned the elevated mortgage quantities would strengthen their companies and enhance their livelihoods, pledging to utilise the funds responsibly and guarantee immediate reimbursement to maintain the programme and allow extra households to profit sooner or later.