In a heartfelt gesture aimed at alleviating the economic strain on transport workers, the Dr. Nicholas Felix (DNF) Foundation International on Monday rolled out a free fuel distribution initiative in Benin City.
The outreach, which took place in the Oredo community, provided thousands of litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to commercial drivers, motorcyclists, and other transport operators.
Dr. Nicholas Felix, founder and chairman of the foundation, personally supervised the event, emphasizing that the initiative was driven by compassion and a desire to uplift communities grappling with the rising cost of living.
“This is about humanity, not politics,” Felix stated. “We’re here to bring hope and ease the burden on those who keep our cities moving—especially in these challenging times following the removal of fuel subsidies.”
Each beneficiary received a minimum of four litres of fuel, with some receiving more based on availability. The initiative, which began in the United States in 2014 and expanded to Nigeria in 2018, has consistently focused on supporting low-income earners, particularly those in the transportation sector.
Over the years, the DNF Foundation has launched several empowerment programs across Nigeria. These include free kerosene distributions in Ibadan, Benin, Niger, and Abuja, as well as monthly stipends for widows through the Church of God Mission in Auchi.
The foundation also contributed to the completion of a long-abandoned church building in Ogochi village, Edo State.
Dr. Felix expressed the foundation’s ambition to scale its outreach, aiming to impact hundreds of thousands of Nigerians through similar humanitarian efforts in the coming months.
Beneficiaries at the Benin event expressed deep gratitude. Clement Iwara, a dispatch rider, noted that the free fuel saved him at least ₦4,000, which he could now redirect to other pressing needs. “This kind of support is what we need. It’s practical and timely,” he said.
Other recipients, including taxi driver Fred Osemwengie and artisan Maurice Okojie, echoed similar sentiments, praising the foundation’s initiative and calling on other well-meaning individuals and organizations to follow suit.
“This is the kind of empowerment that touches lives directly,” Okojie remarked. “It’s not just about charity—it’s about dignity and care.”
The DNF Foundation’s latest outreach stands as a testament to the power of grassroots philanthropy in addressing everyday challenges and fostering community resilience.
