The newly sworn-in Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has vowed to challenge engineers on the issue of concrete technology even in the midst of forex challenge and petroleum crises.
Umahi who made this known while resumed office at the Works Ministry, Abuja on Monday said the nation is endowed with natural resources so Nigerians should be prepared for the renewed hope of the present Government anchored on change.
The former Governor of Ebonyi State, also the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, now the Minister immediately assumed duty after the inauguration of the Federal Cabinet by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today 21st August, 2023 at the State House Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The Minister, Umahi was received by the Management Staff of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman represented by the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan led Management Staff.
Speaking further, Umahi stated that his administration is not to seat in the office but to be in the field, inspecting on going works, effecting the change as the saying that the fortunes of the nation determined by the attitude of its professionals.
According to him, “I will challenge my fellow engineers on the issue of concrete technology even in the midst of forex challenge, petroleum crises, the nation is endowed with natural resources so we should be prepared for the renewed hope of the present government anchored on change.
“I am not an office person, I am a field person which means, we are going to make changes, we are starting inspection tours to inspect ongoing projects and to know the ones to come up with” he said.
Umahi added that he will not tolerate people who will want to reset the clock backward but people who want to be part of history stating that he is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not Minister of Ebony State or South East alone.
And his best friends are those who are in line with the aspirations of Mr. President’s renewed hope and the expectations of Nigerians, while promised by His Grace to replicate the good work of God in Ebonyi State to the federal roads.
He urged all staff to be prepared to work for the good of all.“God gave us a lot of Grace in Ebonyi State and each time people talk about me, I say no talk about God, I don’t know how it happened. I cannot do it alone and it’s not about me but about us as a nation’’.
The Minister said he will be briefed by every Departmental Head in the presence of all the staff so that all the staff will know what is on board. To this end, he charged the staff of the ministry to put in their best, be part of history.
He thanked everyone for making out time to welcome him and promised to be there for everyone and called for professionalism and seriousness to work, advocating for change from the existing style to new innovations and the use of local content.
Also, the representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr, Florunsho Esan joyously welcomed the Minister warmly as a professional colleague and pledged the Ministry’s unflinching support towards a successful tenure in the Ministry.
In his closing remarks, the Director Highways, South West, Engr. Adedamola Kuti thanked the Minister for his show of commitment and love on his appointment, while also promising that the Ministry’s staff will do their best to support his vision and mandate, he thanked all staff for coming out en -mass to welcome the Minister.