By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has directed the leadership in each of the 33 local government areas to provide the sum of N200,000 as monthly subvention and running cost for the office of the Nigerian Legion in their domain.
He also said the sum of N500,000 has been approved for the State Council of the Legion in Oyo State.
This is as the state government pledged the sum of N10million for veterans and departed heroes of the Armed Forces.
Governor Makinde gave the directive and made the donation in response to earlier requests of the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Dr Ogunkojo Adeyemi which also included demand for official vehicles, renovation of the council headquarters of the legion, increment of the salary of its personnel working at the State Secretariat, Ibadan among others.
The event was the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund Raising Week held at the executive council chambers of the Oyo State Governor’s office, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Speaking, Makinde appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces, serving, retired and late, in preserving the nation’s democracy even to 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.
On his part, 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.
Highpoint of the event was the decoration of the governor with the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.
The event was witnessed by Security Commander including, General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division of Nigeria Army, Major-General Bamidele Ali Alabi and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat among others.
