Oyo State government has empowered 99 war veterans, disabled ex-servicemen and some widows of late ex-servicemen in its efforts to provide welfare for war veterans and the families of soldiers who died in the cause of serving their fatherland.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni said this during the year 2020 empowerment programme for the Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command held at their headquarters, located at American quarters, Yidi Agodi gate, Ibadan on Wednesday.
Alhaja Sanni who was represented by the Deputy Director, Social Welfare in the ministry, Mr Taiwo Ibilade said “there is need to empower them so as to ensure a purposeful, dynamic and social sustenance of the vulnerable, and all ex-service men with their dependants and less privileged among them.
“The present administration, under the leadership of governor Seyi Makinde has vowed not to leave any strata of the society un-catered for, that is why this is coming by now, government has promised not to abandoned those that have served our land, and we urge them to also give their support to the government.”
She assured that, the State government would continue to support the activities of the Nigerian Legion, especially in its viable projects for the benefits of the dependants of the fallen heroes.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Pastor Michael Fajimi lauded the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration by responding promptly to their requests.
“With the support of the State government, we are able to empower 99 beneficiaries in three categories today namely, widows, disabled ex-servicemen, and veterans.
“The beneficiaries were selected from 33 local government areas of Oyo state through their area council chairmen.
“33 widows of the fallen heroes were economically empowered with grinding machines, while 33 veterans and 33 disabled ex-service men were also financially empowered with funds to start micro scale businesses to help alleviate their sufferings and improve their family well-being,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries are Mrs Funke Alaba (widow), from Afijio LG, Mrs Agnes Akijiyan (widow), from Iseyin LG and Mrs Alaba Olanipekun (widow) from Ibadan North.
Others are Mrs Ruth Ojo (widow) from Ogbomoso Zone and Mr Lasisi Fadairo a disabled ex-serviceman who thanked Oyo state government for the empowerment programme and promised to maximize the opportunities to the fullest.
(The picture of)The Deputy Director, Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mr Taiwo Ibilade, handing over cash support and empowerment items to the beneficiaries
