The hall of fame of people with transformative powers in contemporary Nigerian democratic leadership trajectory surely flourishes with records of people who have made remarkable impacts in inspiring positive transformation in all spheres of territorial governance. I am proud to speak to the great attributes of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, and his contributions in positively changing the narrative of every domain of national and subnational territorial governance where he has had the opportunity to serve humanity.
Born on July 25, 1963, to the humble family of the late Elder and Deaconess Joseph Umahi Nweze in Umunaga Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Sen. Umahi, by nature, nurture and inclination, is a humble servant-leader and innovator, a passionate problem solver and development strategist, and an exemplary leader with transformative powers. He is best described as a man of great intuitive sagacity and steward leadership, an ingenious innovator and rare doyen of human capital transformation.
Sen. Umahi’s impacts as a successful captain of industry, Deputy Governor, Governor of Ebonyi State for eight years, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum for eight years, chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, first Deputy Majority Leader of the 10th Senate and chair of the Senate’s Integrity Group, and now Honourable Minister of Works, Federal Republic of Nigeria, have added significant value in the development milestones of our country. He is a great benefactor as many have received his magnetic and magnificent inspirations of love, compassion, mentorship, philanthropy and empowerment. He is a gem of inestimable value, a wealth creator and a great political stabilizer; he is a seasoned advocate and proclaimer of justice, equity, and good conscience; he is a nationalist, bridge-builder and patriot.
Among his landmark triumphs in his political sojourn is his vision to become governor, which was perfected by God alone in the most historic and symbolic manner, and his record-breaking performance as governor that thrilled human imaginations; his prophetic declaration for national mainstreaming through the progressive platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a time when the journey seemed suicidal, and his victorious flags and flying colours that outwitted all legal and extra-legal recourses that ambushed his generous political calculations. Thank God for the inherent rights of appeal that saw him through in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Thank God also for the mutual fidelity between him and his successor, who provided the unshaken foundational support that saw him through during the battles. In his new office as Honourable Minister of Works, the waves of road infrastructure transformation and policy innovations are creating greater hopes and returning the desired confidence of road users nationwide in line with the visionary aspirations of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the grand initiator of concrete technology in Nigeria. All these are virtues that deserve our celebration.
Thursday, July 25, 2024, is a great day in the hearts of all who have benefitted in one way or the other from the large and kind heart of His Excellency, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, Commander of the Order of the Niger, Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Fellow, Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, and Great Grand Commander Ebonyi Hall of Fame, as he shall turn 61 years of impactful life. It is a day to especially remember our benefactor and his family in our prayers and to share our joy, extend our best regards and convey our best wishes to him, glorifying God for his rewarding service to humanity and his stewardship, which he anchors gloriously. Indeed, July 25 is always memorable in our hearts.Hearty cheers in advance to the Honourable Minister of Works.
Barr. Orji is Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works
By Orji Uchenna Orji
