The Akure South Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, has flagged off the free Asiwaju Fuel Initiative to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on commercial transport operators.
The initiative, which commenced on Wednesday, provides free fuel to 2,500 commercial motorcycle operators and 1,200 tricycle operators across Akure South Local Government.
The programme was organised in commemoration of the efforts of Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in promoting the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.
The distribution exercise was carried out simultaneously at four locations, including the NNPC Station across Renewed Hope office, J-Mobile in Odole, the former Tunji and Tunji opposite Nepa Market, and SK Bright in Araromi, to ensure easy access for beneficiaries.
Hundreds of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators converged on the designated centres from the early hours of the day, while officials and volunteers coordinated the process to ensure a smooth and orderly exercise.
Speaking during the flag-off, Fasua said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to programmes that directly impact residents, particularly transport operators who play a crucial role in the local economy.
He said, “This initiative is to provide relief for our commercial transport operators who are facing challenges due to the rising cost of fuel. We recognise their contribution to the economy of Akure South and we will continue to introduce programmes that will positively impact the lives of our people.”
Beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, noting that the free fuel would help reduce their daily operational costs and ease the financial pressure caused by current economic realities.
A beneficiary said, “Fuel prices have affected our daily earnings, but this support will help us reduce our expenses and improve our operations.”
The free Asiwaju fuel initiative is part of efforts by the Akure South Local Government to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda through grassroots interventions aimed at improving the local economy.
The exercise continued across the various centres amid excitement and optimism, as beneficiaries expressed appreciation for what they described as a people-centred intervention.
