csrreporters 
Residents of Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State experienced relief on Monday as former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Dr. Nicholas Felix, distributed free fuel through his humanitarian arm, the Dr. Nicholas Foundation.
The exercise, held at Shafa Petrol Station along Akpakpava Street, Benin City, drew a massive crowd long before the 10 a.m. kickoff, as motorists, bikers, and commuters gathered to benefit from the initiative.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Felix said the fuel distribution was part of his ongoing effort to give back to society and uplift Nigerians facing economic challenges particularly since the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023.
“We’ve been doing this since 2014, long before politics came into play,” he explained. “This is about giving people hope. Fuel affects everyone, and with the current hardship, it’s only right to bring some relief. You can see the excitement, it’s about putting smiles on people’s faces.”
He emphasized that the gesture was not politically motivated, noting that similar exercises had been carried out in Ibadan (2018), Benin (2019 and 2024), Etsako, Niger State, and Abuja earlier this year. When it’s time for campaigns, that will be clear. For now, this is about compassion, not politics,” he added. Many beneficiaries praised the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful amid rising fuel costs that currently range between ₦850 and ₦940 per litre nationwide. A dispatch rider identified as Chris expressed gratitude, saying, “This is the kind of support Nigerians need right now. Things are tough, and gestures like this make a real difference.”
Despite increased government revenue allocations since the subsidy removal, many Nigerians continue to struggle with high living costs. Initiatives like Dr. Felix’s, residents say, bring a sense of hope and solidarity in challenging times. If more privileged Nigerians can do things like this, one beneficiary said, “the burden on ordinary people will be lighter.”