Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has instructed the leaders of the 33 local government areas in the state to allocate a monthly subvention and running cost of N200,000 for the offices of the Nigerian Legion within their jurisdictions.
Governor Makinde further disclosed the approval of N500,000 for the Oyo State Council of the Legion, with an additional pledge of N10 million dedicated to veterans and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.
The governor’s directive and donations were in response to requests made by the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Dr. Ogunkojo Adeyemi, which encompassed various needs, including official vehicles, renovations for the council headquarters, and an increment in the salary of legion personnel at the State Secretariat in Ibadan, among other requirements.
This announcement took place during the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund Raising Week at the Executive Council chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Thursday.
Governor Makinde expressed gratitude for the dedication of the Armed Forces, both current and past, in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, even at the cost of paying the ultimate sacrifice. He acknowledged the proactive nature of the Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to service even in challenging environments.
As a personal contribution, the governor made a donation of N1 million during the event. The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Dr. Ogunkojo Adeyemi, used the occasion to appeal for increased support from the government, individuals, and organisations for the families of ex-servicemen and those who sacrificed their lives for the security and peace of Nigeria.
The event included the decoration of the governor with the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day emblem by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, and was attended by security commanders, including Major-General Bamidele Ali Alabi, the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, among others.