Ondo governor distributes buses to unions, launches ₦5 million Emblem Appeal Fund
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday handed over buses to major workers’ and retirees’ unions to enhance mobility, coordination, and service delivery across the state. The beneficiaries include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the initiative was designed to ease transportation challenges for union executives, enabling them to engage more effectively with government offices and support their members. Handing over the first bus to the NLC, he expressed confidence that government workers would deliver services promptly and efficiently.
Addressing the TUC and NUT, the governor emphasised that the buses would improve movement and service delivery. Drawing on his background as a former teacher, he encouraged the NUT to use the facility to strengthen service to their members, while retirees were reminded that the buses would aid them in engaging government offices efficiently.
He urged all unions to use the vehicles responsibly, highlighting that the provision reflects the state government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and improving public service across Ondo State.
In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa officially launched the ₦5 million Emblem Appeal Fund to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. He also donated his one-month salary to inaugurate the 2026 emblem.
The event, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, honoured the courage and sacrifice of men and women who laid down their lives defending Nigeria during wars, insurgencies, terrorism, and peacekeeping missions worldwide. Governor Aiyedatiwa commended security agencies for their professionalism and congratulated newly elected Nigerian Legion executives for their timely leadership.
The governor emphasised that Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than ceremonial, serving as a moral reminder of society’s duty to families, widows, children, and dependents of fallen heroes. He also disclosed that the state government has increased financial support to the Legion and called on corporate organisations, NGOs, and public-spirited individuals to assist in rehabilitating and empowering veterans and their families.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the Emblem Appeal Fund would support families of fallen heroes, surviving soldiers, and incapacitated officers through commemorative activities, educational programmes, and welfare services. Major Folorunso Akingboju, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Command, praised the governor for his unwavering support, reiterating that the welfare of veterans and their families remains a priority.
