‘I won’t allow my people suffer’ – Amuzu takes action as hardship deepens

By Adejoke Adeleye

As rising fuel costs continue to squeeze the earnings of commercial transport operators, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former House of Representatives candidate for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Chief Toyin Amuzu, has provided free fuel support to 600 commercial drivers and motorcycle riders in Abeokuta.

The intervention, which coincided with the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, saw 200 commercial taxi drivers receive fuel worth ₦10,000 each, while 400 commercial motorcycle operators were given fuel worth ₦5,000 each.

The two-day programme, held on Wednesday and Friday, was designed to cushion the impact of worsening economic conditions on transport workers who have been grappling with escalating operational costs.

Speaking during the exercise, Amuzu, popularly known as TA, said the initiative was both a tribute to the sacrifices of late Chief MKO Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, as well as a practical response to the hardships confronting ordinary Nigerians.

“June 12 should be more than a day of remembrance. It should be an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate commitment to the welfare of the people. This is my modest contribution to supporting those who work tirelessly every day to earn a living,” he said.

Amuzu lamented the economic challenges facing many households, noting that soaring living costs, insecurity and shrinking economic opportunities have placed immense pressure on citizens.

“I won’t allow my people to suffer in silence. The reality is that families are struggling to survive, transport operators are burdened by high fuel costs, and small businesses are fighting to stay afloat. While we continue to advocate for better governance, we must also extend helping hands to those in need,” he stated.

According to him, the fuel support initiative was aimed at boosting the productivity and income of beneficiaries by reducing their daily operating expenses.

“When a driver or rider spends less on fuel, it means more trips, more customers and ultimately more income to support their families. That is the essence of this intervention,” he added.

Amuzu disclosed that the programme represents the 16th intervention he has personally funded over the years to support residents of Abeokuta South and neighbouring communities.

He reiterated his commitment to grassroots development and people-focused leadership, pledging to sustain initiatives that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Beneficiaries described the gesture as timely, saying the fuel support would ease their financial burden and improve their daily earnings.

Several transport operators, including taxi drivers and motorcycle riders, expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that it came at a time when many in the sector were struggling to cope with rising operating costs.

Community leaders who witnessed the programme also commended Amuzu’s sustained humanitarian efforts, citing his record of social interventions, including the provision of more than 20 boreholes across communities, educational support schemes, healthcare initiatives, food assistance programmes and youth empowerment projects.