The Founder and President-General of a prominent non- governmental advocacy group, the Grant Community Discipleship Movement (GCDM), Rev.(Dr.) Moses Chooji, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala GCON the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerians in the diaspora, among other stakeholders, to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant financial institutions, to unconditionally release what they described as “entrapped” World Bank grant funds meant for over one hundred and ten million Nigerian beneficiaries.
In a strongly worded statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, the GCDM boss lamented that countless Nigerians- particularly youths, small and medium scale business owners, and grassroots entrepreneurs- have been denied access to approve grant funds due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and institutional delays.
Rev. Chooji described the situation as both “painful and unjust”, warning that continued withholding of the funds could undermine public trust on government- backed empowerment programmes.
“When hope is given and then delayed, it becomes a burden on the soul. As the Holy Scripture says in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick”.
This is the reality many Nigerians are facing today”, he said.
The GCDM leader specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion as a responsible leader and father of the nation”, by directing the apex bank and other agencies to ensure the immediate disbursement of the funds.
According to him, the grants- facilitated through international development frameworks involving the World Bank- were designed to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and empower citizens at the grassroots level.
“Mr. President, this is a defining moment. The release of these funds will not only revive struggling businesses, but will also reaffirm your administration’s commitment to economic inclusion and social justice”, he stated.
He further stressed that the intervention would serve as a catalyst for job creation and youth engagement, particularly in a time when economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on ordinary Nigerians.
In a related appeal, Rev. Moses Chooji called on Nigerians in the diaspora to join in advocating for the release of the funds, noting that many of them have also contributed to development initiatives tied to such grants.
He emphasised that diaspora voices carry significant influence and can help draw global attention to the plight of the affected beneficiaries.
“Our brothers and sisters abroad must not remain silent. Their voices can help unlock these opportunities and ensure accountability in the system”, he added.
In what appears to carry political undertones ahead of future elections, the GCDM leader assured President Bola Tinubu of massive electoral support from members of the grant community should swift action be taken.
“We are not ungrateful people. If this administration listens and acts decisively, millions of beneficiaries across Nigeria will remember in 2027. We are prepared to mobilize support for Mr. President’s re-election” he declared.
SOURCE: Independent
