GCDM Urges Federal Government to Release Long-Awaited Grants, Cites Rising Hardship

The Grant Community Decide Movement (GCDM) has called on the Federal Government to urgently release long-awaited grants intended for Nigerians, warning that the prolonged delay has worsened the hardship faced by citizens.

The appeal was made by the National Women Leader of the movement, Ambassador Deborah Abiola Kolawole, who expressed concern that the grants, meant to alleviate the suffering of the masses, have remained unpaid for the past ten years.

Kolawole noted that the renewed agitation followed directives from the National President of GCDM, Rev. Moses Tekka Chojji, who has led several efforts, including a national press conference, to push for the release of the funds.

Echoing similar concerns, the South-West Zonal Chairman of the group, Comrade Famodimu Abdulramon Olajide, lamented what he described as repeated delays and unfulfilled promises. He said the group had made several appeals, including a visit to Buddilon House in Lagos, in a bid to meet with President Bola Tinubu.

The Deputy Administrator of GCDM, Comrade Omigbodun Victoria Motuntayo, said the group embarked on a peaceful protest to demand the release of the grants, which she alleged had been held in the Central Bank of Nigeria for a decade.

Also speaking, the Osun State Secretary of the movement, Alhaji Akeem Oyekunle, urged the Federal Government to show compassion by facilitating the immediate release of the funds. He listed some of the affected grants as the Pioneer Grant, United African Alliance Grant (UAAG), St Rita, Theobath, Supreme, and Mid-West grants.

Meanwhile, the Youth Leader of GCDM in Osun State, Mr John Jegede, recalled that the grant initiative began in 2016, noting that its release would significantly reduce youth restiveness and promote productivity among young people.

The group maintained that the prompt disbursement of the grants would provide relief to struggling Nigerians and contribute to national development.