Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed the 33 local government areas to provide the sum of N200,000 as monthly subvention and running costs 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 N10 million for veterans and departed heroes of the Armed Forces.
Governor Makinde gave the directive and donated 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.
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Speaking, 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 environments.
On his part, the governor also made a personal donation of N1 million.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Adeyemi called for increased support from the 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 chieftains including, General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of Nigeria Army, Major-General Bamidele Ali Alabi, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat among others.