David Umahi

Senator Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has been crowned 2024 Igbo Man of the Year by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

In a year marked by intense scrutiny and competition among Southeastern leaders, Umahi emerged as the standout figure, surpassing prominent names like former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.

“Umahi’s exemplary performance as Minister of Works has set him apart. His leadership in spearheading the rehabilitation of critical federal roads in the Southeast, utilizing innovative cement technology, and creating sustainable job opportunities has earned him widespread acclaim.

“These efforts have not only enhanced infrastructure but also addressed security concerns along major highways, fostering a safer and more connected region.

“Additionally, Umahi’s strategic diplomacy in maintaining a harmonious relationship between the Southeast and the Federal Government has been a game-changer.

“His ability to prevent regional disruptions during nationwide protests highlighted his commitment to peace and progress, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader,” Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said in a statement.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated that its selection process involved a thorough evaluation based on its newly developed “Igbo Performance Perimeters and Indexes.”

The organisation noted while several leaders showcased remarkable accomplishments, Umahi’s performance in infrastructure development and regional advocacy outshone the rest.

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was named the second-best performer among National Assembly members.

Governors Peter Mba of Enugu and Francis Nwaifuru of Ebonyi were also celebrated for upholding local government autonomy and ensuring transparency in governance.

Isiguzoro added: “This recognition is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership.

“We urge all leaders to emulate Umahi’s commitment to progress and use their positions to serve the Southeast and Nigeria at large.”

One of President Tinubu’s ministers, Dave Umahi, has threatened to flush out corrupt elements within the Ministry of Works who have been conniving with contractors to frustrate the government’s efforts at development.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that Umahi, the Minister of Works, shared the development with journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

He said he would be employing the services of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prosecute the affected officials.

The minister, who had alleged a hang-up against him by some major contractors on the plan of the federal government to adopt as a policy the use of concrete reinforcement for the construction of roads across the country, however, announced that he now has President Tinubu’s backing for the adoption of the new policy.

Responding to questions from journalists after stating his reasons for meeting the President, the Minister said those within the system who are benefiting from those threatening him and the country over the new direction being taken by the administration have become a problem in the ministry.

“There are some elements within that are also fighting me, who are also benefiting from the system, and that is the greatest problem we have, and I just pretended. I will flush those elements out and send them to ICPC to handle them because nobody can hold this country to ransom”, he said.

He, however, added that some have keyed into the policy just as major cement producers have agreed to discount prices for such government road builders.

He also highlighted the advantages of cement roads over asphalt/bitumen, including cheaper costs and the need to encourage local production of cement against the importation of bitumen.

Umahi further warned contractors against the dodgy attitude of securing about 20 projects but ended up deploying as few as two units of equipment to the site.