By Prevail Inegbenose
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has changed the development narrative in the Southeast through the Federal Government’s ongoing investment in roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
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Umahi spoke on Wednesday when Bishops and Archbishops of the Methodist Church from the Southeast, led by the Methodist Church Archbishop of Anambra State, Most Revd. Dr. Vincent C. E. Onoh, paid him a courtesy visit at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
The minister acknowledged the history of marginalisation experienced by the Igbo, but urged people of the Southeast to recognise the infrastructure projects being executed by the Tinubu administration while continuing to demand more development.
“Yes, I agree that in the past there was so much marginalisation of the Igbo everywhere, not just the Southeast, but President Bola Tinubu has changed the narrative,” Umahi said.
He said major projects such as the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Enugu-Onitsha Road, Enugu-Abakaliki Road, Eke-Obinagu Flyover and the Second Niger Bridge were evidence of the administration’s commitment to transforming infrastructure in the region.
Umahi said the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, which had subjected travellers to several hours of hardship over the years, was undergoing reconstruction, including sections being executed with reinforced concrete pavement.
He also disclosed that rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge was progressing, following President Tinubu’s directive after concerns were raised over its condition.
“When we heard of the First Niger Bridge, the President immediately directed that it should be shut down,” he said, adding that rehabilitation work had continued day and night.
The minister said the bridge was expected to be commissioned on Wednesday, with solar lighting and CCTV surveillance installed as part of the upgrade.
On another major highway corridor linking Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue and Enugu towards Abuja, Umahi said the first two sections, covering about 330 kilometres, had been awarded and paid for by the Federal Government.
He said the completed corridor would significantly reduce travel time between the Southeast and Abuja.
“Those from Enugu can join at Nsukka Axis, and then they will now be in Abuja within three hours,” Umahi said.
“For those of us in Ebonyi, we can be in Abuja within four hours. What are we going to do with the plane again? Nobody will miss the plane again,” he added.
The minister urged Nigerians to set political sentiments aside and acknowledge infrastructure investments, while calling on the people of the Southeast to support the Tinubu administration.
“We can be looking for more. I agree. We can demand more so that we can meet up with the past marginalisation, but it shouldn’t make us not be appreciative,” he said.
Umahi also said the Southeast had not supported Tinubu at the 2023 presidential election as much as it should have, but argued that the President had nevertheless demonstrated commitment to the region through his infrastructure policies.
“We didn’t vote for the President as we should, and he’s doing all these things for us,” he said.
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He called on church leaders to help educate citizens, particularly young people, about ongoing infrastructure projects and the economic opportunities they could generate.
According to Umahi, infrastructure investment goes beyond road construction, as it can create employment, improve security, reduce travel time and stimulate commercial activities.
“We are borrowing to put in infrastructure, and this infrastructure, it is an investment,” he said.
The minister added that the Federal Government’s objective was to develop economic corridors around major roads and ensure that infrastructure translated into broader economic growth.
“When we finish, then we will now build infrastructure along the corridor. Nigeria will never be the same again,” he said.
On his relationship with former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Umahi said his advocacy for infrastructure development was not motivated by personal hostility.
“I am not against Peter Obi. He is my very close friend,” he said.
Umahi argued that government resources should be deployed productively to address infrastructure needs rather than simply being kept unused.
He said his experience as a businessman and former party chairman, deputy governor, governor, senator and minister had strengthened his belief that productive investment was essential to development.
He further disclosed plans to tour all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise Nigerians on the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects.
Earlier, Archbishop Onoh commended President Tinubu and Umahi for what he described as significant infrastructure development in the Southeast and across Nigeria.
“Sometimes people wouldn’t even know where we start when we want to talk about you, but we have just come as a church to appreciate you for the work you are doing, not only in entire Nigeria, but particularly in the Southeast,” Onoh said.
The Archbishop specifically praised the progress on the Niger Bridge, saying, “The work on the Niger Bridge is 90% done.”
He said the Methodist Church had come to honour Umahi in recognition of his contribution to infrastructure development, adding that the minister’s work had earned him widespread recognition.
“Because the church doesn’t give traditional title, I will have given you the title of Olu Atugwu 1,” Onoh said.
He also announced plans for a prayer and sensitisation programme beginning in Awka and extending to Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, with thousands of participants expected at the major gatherings.
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The Archbishop prayed for continued wisdom and strength for Umahi in the discharge of his responsibilities and recalled his development record as governor of Ebonyi State.
“We have just come as a church to say thank you for what you have done, thank you for what you are doing, and let’s thank you for what we are yet to do,” Onoh said.