The Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027 1019 Initiative (GST) has been making significant humanitarian impact across Nigeria through various interventions targeting rural dwellers, women, youths, and the elderly.
Led by businessman and philanthropist Tersoo David Ukechir, the initiative has implemented several programs including free medical outreaches, transportation services, educational scholarships, and water projects in multiple states.
According to Ukechir, the initiative aims to showcase President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's humane nature and core values of empathy and compassion that might otherwise be obscured by politics. Ukechir describes the President as his mentor, stating that these humanitarian efforts reflect the principles Tinubu advocates in both his private and public life.
Extensive Medical Outreach Program
The GST's free medical outreach program has reached over 45,000 people and facilitated approximately 10,000 surgeries across multiple communities. The initiative began in Ningev, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, where more than 12,000 people received medical care, including about 2,500 surgeries.
Following this success, similar six-day outreach programs were conducted in Tsambe settlement and extended to other local government areas in Benue State including Ushongo, Gboko, Tarka, Buruku, Otukpo, Oju, and Ogbadibo.
The medical team has since expanded its operations to Nasarawa State, serving communities in Lafia, Awe, Nasarawa Egon, Kokona, and Garaku. Plans are underway to continue the outreach in Bauchi State.
Transportation and Educational Support
Beyond healthcare, GST has launched a Free Transportation Scheme with 20 Hummer buses and 6 brand-new Coaster buses providing free transportation for Nigerians. Transportation parks have been established in Benue, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with plans to expand nationwide.
In the education sector, Ukechir has awarded scholarships to 300 students at the Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University (formerly Benue State University) in Makurdi. The scholarship program is set to expand to other institutions including Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, and selected universities in Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Borno States.
Water Projects and Other Interventions
To address water scarcity, GST has drilled over 70 solar-powered boreholes across various states including Benue, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Delta, and Nasarawa. Additionally, Ukechir has supported churches, socio-cultural groups, and individuals through various other initiatives.
The convener emphasizes that these efforts are funded from his personal resources and are inspired by President Tinubu's leadership philosophy. While the initiative's name suggests political support for Tinubu's potential 2027 presidential bid, Ukechir maintains that the primary goal is to highlight the president's true character beyond the ongoing reforms since taking office in 2023.
GST encourages Nigerians to reassess the country's trajectory as the full impact of the president's policies becomes more apparent in the coming years.
