Fallen Heroes: Governor Makinde Directs Payment of Subventions

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has directed the leadership of the 33 local government areas of the state to provide the sum of N200,000 as monthly subvention and running cost for the office of the Nigerian Legion in their domains.

Governor Makinde said the sum of N500,000 had been approved for the Oyo State Council of the Legion, disclosing that the state government pledged the sum of N10million for veterans and departed heroes of the Armed Forces.

The governor gave the directive and made the donation in response to earlier requests by the Oyo State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Dr Ogunkojo Adeyemi, which also included demand for official vehicles, renovation of the council headquarters of the legion, and increment in the salary of its personnel working at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, among others.

The Governor gave the directive at the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund Raising Week, held at the Executive Council chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Thursday.

In his speech, Makinde appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces, serving, retired and late, in preserving the nation’s democracy even to the extent of paying the supreme price.

 

He noted that men of the Armed Forces were deserving of great applause and support as they are usually proactive and work even in less conducive environment.

The governor also made a personal donation of N1million.

 

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Dr Ogunkojo Adeyemi, called for increased support of government, individuals, organisations for families of ex-servicemen and persons who committed their lives to the security and peace of Nigeria.

 

The highpoint of the event was the decoration of the governor with the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day emblem by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

 

The event was witnessed by security commanders, including the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Bamidele Ali Alabi and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, among others.