GCDM urges FG to release delayed grants, cites growing hardship

The Grant Community Decide Movement (GCDM) has called on the Federal Government to urgently release long-delayed grants meant for Nigerians, warning that continued delays are worsening economic hardship across the country.

The appeal was made by the group’s National Women Leader, Deborah Abiola Kolawole, who expressed concern that the funds, intended to support citizens, have remained unpaid for several years.

Kolawole said the renewed demand follows directives from the National President of the movement, Moses Tekka Chojji, who has led advocacy efforts, including a national press conference, to push for the release of the grants.

Also speaking, the South-West Zonal Chairman, Famodimu Abdulramon Olajide, decried what he described as repeated delays and unfulfilled promises. He noted that the group had made several attempts to engage authorities, including a visit to Buddilon House in Lagos, in a bid to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Deputy Administrator of GCDM, Omigbodun Victoria Motuntayo, said members of the group had also staged a peaceful protest to demand the release of the funds, which she alleged have been held at the Central Bank of Nigeria for about a decade.

In his remarks, the Osun State Secretary of the movement, Akeem Oyekunle, urged the Federal Government to act with urgency and compassion. He listed some of the affected programmes as the Pioneer Grant, United African Alliance Grant (UAAG), St Rita, Theobath, Supreme, and Mid-West grants.

The group’s Youth Leader in Osun State, John Jegede, said the initiative, which began in 2016, has the potential to reduce youth restiveness and boost productivity if implemented.

GCDM maintained that prompt disbursement of the grants would provide relief to struggling Nigerians and contribute to economic growth and national development.