Aiyedatiwa rolls out buses for labour unions, donates salary to fallen heroes
…Calls for collective support for veterans, widows, families
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the distribution of operational buses to major labour and retirees’ unions in the state, while also donating his one-month salary to kick-start the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund.
The buses were presented on Monday to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), as part of efforts to strengthen labour-government engagement and improve service delivery.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the initiative was designed to address transportation challenges confronting union executives, enabling them to function more efficiently and represent their members effectively.
Presenting the buses, the governor described labour unions as critical partners in governance, stressing that improved mobility would translate into better coordination and prompt engagement with government institutions.
Addressing the NLC, the governor said the bus would enhance the union’s capacity to discharge its responsibilities diligently and without compromise, while noting that similar support for the TUC would improve its operational reach and service delivery.
Speaking to the NUT, Aiyedatiwa drew from his personal experience as a former teacher, urging the union to deploy the vehicle in strengthening its activities in the year ahead.
“As a former teacher, I present this bus to support your mobility and ensure efficient service to your members,” he said.
He also acknowledged retirees, describing members of the National Union of Pensioners as “retired but not tired,” and assured them that the bus would ease movement and engagement with government offices.
The governor urged all beneficiary unions to use the vehicles responsibly, noting that the gesture reflected his administration’s commitment to collaboration, productivity and inclusive governance.
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa formally launched the ₦5 million Emblem Appeal Fund for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and donated his one-month salary to inaugurate the appeal.
The ceremony, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, marked the commencement of activities to honour Nigerian servicemen and women who lost their lives in wars, insurgency, terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a solemn reminder of the nation’s moral obligation to fallen heroes and their dependents.
The statement reads partly: “Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than a ceremonial event. It is a moral reminder of our collective responsibility to the families, widows, children and dependents of those who paid the supreme price for our freedom.
“The labour of our heroes, dead or alive, will never be in vain. We remain grateful to our gallant officers, both serving and retired, including those currently engaged in counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
“Government has continued to increase support to the Nigerian Legion, in addition to other intervention programmes, to ease the burdens faced by widows, children and dependents of our fallen heroes.
“This responsibility cannot rest on government alone. Corporate organisations, NGOs and well-meaning individuals must join hands with us to rehabilitate and empower veterans and their families.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, and congratulated newly elected executives of the Nigerian Legion at state and area council levels, describing their emergence as timely.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the Emblem Appeal Fund was established to mobilise resources for the welfare of families of fallen heroes, incapacitated soldiers and surviving veterans.
She explained that proceeds from the appeal would support educational assistance, healthcare, empowerment programmes and commemorative activities, stressing that preserving the legacy of fallen heroes was a shared responsibility.
Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Command, Major Folorunso Akingboju, applauded the governor for what he described as consistent and unwavering support for veterans, widows and orphans.
He reaffirmed the Legion’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its members through sustained interventions in health, education and economic empowerment.