The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, on Monday held its first stakeholders’ meeting of the year, setting the tone for an ambitious programme of grassroots engagement and social intervention.
The meeting, held at the GMT office in Akure, the Ondo State capital, brought together state officers, local government coordinators and members of the advisory committee.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, revealed that far-reaching decisions were taken, particularly on programmes aimed at deepening grassroots impact and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Top on the agenda is the second phase of the Jingi Asiwaju Medical Outreach which is set to be extended across all 18 local government areas of the state.
Yusuf-Ogunleye explained that the rollout would begin with three local government areas in each senatorial district.
In the Northern Senatorial District, the outreach will cover Akoko North-West, Akoko South-West, and Ose.
In the Central Senatorial District, Akure North, Idanre, and Ondo West have been selected. Ese-Odo, Irele, and Odigbo will benefit from the exercise in the Southern Senatorial District.
He noted that the first phase of the programme was successfully conducted last year in Akure, Okitipupa, Ikare, and Owo.
To ensure effective implementation, a committee has been constituted to oversee the medical outreach, with the Director of Women Affairs, Chief Olamide Falana, appointed as chairperson.
The DG further disclosed that the movement would intensify its grassroots structure by holding meetings across all 203 wards in the state.
Local government coordinators have been directed to engage ward coordinators to mobilise members and strengthen the group’s presence at the community level.
GMT plans to launch its E-lo-So-Loja initiative, a market outreach programme designed to sensitise traders and market women on the achievements and policies of the Tinubu administration.
The programme will cover major markets including Ikare Main Market in Akoko North-East, as well as markets in Owo, Akure, Ondo, Igbokoda, and Okitipupa.
Yusuf-Ogunleye also announced targeted engagement programmes for artisans, non-indigenes and drivers’ unions as part of broader efforts to build inclusive grassroots support.
He said: “This is our first stakeholders’ meeting of the year and we are ready to return fully to the field. We have designed programmes to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure his continued leadership.
“Our ward meetings will bring people together across the 203 wards, allowing us to consistently engage and enlighten them on what the President stands for.”
Yusuf-Ogunleye added that the group had received significant logistical support including a bus donation from the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had earlier provided a brand-new Hilux vehicle.
“We are committed to sustaining our medical outreach by providing free eyeglasses and healthcare services across the state. We will also engage traders directly in markets, explaining government policies, achievements and future prospects,” he said.
Yusuf-Ogunleye emphasised that the movement’s programmes are designed to complement the efforts of the Federal Government at the grassroots level.
“We are adding value to what Mr. President is doing in Abuja. Our focus is on ensuring that the impact is felt at the grassroots. This is how we connect with our people and sustain meaningful engagement,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, in supporting the movement, noting that such backing has enabled GMT to expand its reach and effectiveness across the state.
The meeting was attended by several key figures including Hon. Rasheed Badmus (Secretary), Hon. Olamide Falana (Director of Women Affairs), Deaconess Lola Fagbemi (Advisory Committee member), Hon. Akinwumi Sowore (Legal Director), and Mr. Oyewamide Ojo (Director of Media).
Others present were Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi (Akure South Coordinator), Hon. Paff Kolade (Director of Youth Affairs), Prince Dapo Adepoju (Youth Coordinator, Ondo Central), Deaconess Olufunke Adesida (Iyaloja), Hon. Bala Umar (Director of Hausa Community), Hon. Hassan Ahete (Director of Ibira Matters), Mr. Gbenga Elewuju (Retired Permanent Secretary), as well as Hon. Tunji Fabiyi and Hon. Fatai Atere, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Apologies were received from Dr. Olubunmi Ademosu, Hon. Toyin Japheth (member representing Akoko North-East), and Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, former Commissioner for Women Affairs.
