Umahi At 61: Celebrating A Doyen Of Human Capital Transformation

The hall of fame of  people with transformative powers in contemporary Nigeria’s 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 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 the opportunity  to serve humanity. Born on 25th July 1963  to the humble  family  of 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.

He  impacts as a successful captain of industry, Deputy Governor, Governor of Ebonyi State for 8 years, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum for 8 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 a 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 All Progressives Congress (APC) at a time 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.

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 Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the grand initiator of concrete technology in Nigeria. All these are virtues  that deserve our celebration.

Thursday, 25th July 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, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, Commander of 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  him 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.

–Orji is Special Adviser (Media) to Minister of Works