From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
A group, Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027 (the GST 1019 Initiative) has decried the rising cost of living in the country, saying it’s driving Nigerians into abject poverty.
It however urged Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, insisting that steps are being taken to address the economic hardship.
The group enumerated some of the policy initiatives, which include the students loan fund, cash transfer to vulnerable Nigerians, among others, as some measures to cushion the effects of the growing hardship.
The convener of the group, Tersoo David Ukechir, who made the appeal in a chat with newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians and expressed optimism that the present administration has the capacity to turn the country around for the better.
“I also want to say that the government is working assiduously to ensure that the burden of reforms being implemented does not affect the poor and vulnerable. What the government needs at this critical moment is patience and cooperation of all,” he said.
Ukechir said the GST 1019 Initiative efforts are tailored towards meeting the needs of Nigeria at this critical moment in various areas of life in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Convener, who said the Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027, the GST 1019 Initiative, was founded with a clear mission to make President Tinubu’s mandate successful and viable to every Nigerian, added that the group believes in his vision for the future of Nigeria and to pave the way for his re-election in 2027 by creating a movement that cuts across every region of Nigeria.
According to him, the free buses that will be launched this week shall be interstate, from different luck-up locations. The free transportation programme, he said is strictly for students as part of the efforts of the support group to support the efforts of President Tinubu to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian students
On community outreach, Ukechir, who is also a philanthropist, highlighted that the group focused on direct community engagement by offering tangible solutions to the daily challenges of Nigerians, adding that the solutions range from healthcare initiatives to supporting local businesses.
He added that the GST 1019 Initiative is fully committed to making education its priority and has so far awarded scholarships to over 300 students in Benue State, each receiving ₦150,000 in aid. He said the group is equally preparing to launch another 300 scholarships in Plateau and Bauchi states, respectively.