Umahi urges south-east to acknowledge Tinubu’s unprecedented massive infrastructure development strides

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has called on Nigerians, particularly people of the Southeast, to acknowledge and appreciate the significant infrastructure strides under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Francis Nwaze.

Umahi made the call at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of De Pinnacle Club International held October 4 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The event, led by Chief Sir David Nwosu, brought together prominent Southeasterners in politics, business and professional practice.

The Minister, honoured with an Award of Excellence in Public Service and Infrastructural Transformation, said Nigerians should not allow political sentiments to prevent them from recognising tangible achievements.

“We shouldn’t live in denial. We have to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; even God Almighty appreciates gratitude. It doesn’t stop us from asking for more,” he said.

He said the Southeast provides visible examples of projects that moved from deterioration and delay to substantial completion under Tinubu.

He listed Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Eke-Obinagu Flyover, New Artisan Bridge, Second Niger Bridge access roads, Enugu–Abakaliki road, and Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja superhighway.

He explained that the Second Niger Bridge was completed before Tinubu assumed office but its access roads were in poor condition. “We are now building the access roads,” he said, noting progress is 40% on the Anambra section and 35% on Asaba axis.

He also highlighted the Lagos-Shagamu road as critical for travelers from Southwest to Southeast.

Umahi said Tinubu’s administration has shown greater inclusion of Southeast, citing appointments of Chief of Air Force, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and Minister of Works.

He also revealed action on vandalism of the First Niger Bridge by scrap scavengers. “We took action and will design the First Niger Bridge like the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, with CCTV cameras and control points,” he said.

The event themed “A Decade of Excellence, Legacy and Impact,” attracted dignitaries including Obi Cubana, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu and others. Organisers said the award recognises Umahi’s adoption of concrete road technology and accelerated execution under the Renewed Hope Agenda.