Minister of Works David Umahi has urged Nigerians, especially people in the Southeast, to acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements, saying political differences should not obscure visible progress across the region.
Umahi spoke at the 10th anniversary celebration of De Pinnacle Club International, held on October 4 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
He was presented with the organisation’s Award of Excellence in Public Service and Infrastructural Transformation.
“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,” Umahi said.
The minister cited the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Eke-Obinagu Flyover, New Artisan Bridge, Enugu–Abakaliki Road and the access roads to the Second Niger Bridge among major projects advancing under the administration.
He said the Second Niger Bridge, although completed before Tinubu took office, could not deliver its full economic benefits because the connecting roads on the Onitsha and Asaba sides were in poor condition.
According to Umahi, work on the access roads is progressing, with the Anambra section about 40 per cent complete and the Asaba axis about 35 per cent complete.
He also highlighted the Lagos–Shagamu corridor as a vital route linking millions of travellers from Lagos through Ogun and Edo to Asaba and other parts of the country.
Umahi said the administration had also demonstrated greater inclusion of the Southeast in national leadership through the appointment of prominent Southeasterners to strategic positions.
“Today, Ndi-Igbo have a Chief of Air Force, the first Minister of Foreign Affairs and the first Minister of Works,” he said.
The minister further disclosed plans to install CCTV cameras and control points on the First Niger Bridge following reports that scrap scavengers were vandalising the structure by removing bolts and expansion metals.
He said the intervention was carried out with Tinubu’s support and would help prevent further damage, monitor accidents and improve security on the bridge.
Umahi commended De Pinnacle Club International for its contributions to youth empowerment, healthcare and community development across the Southeast.
The event, themed “A Decade of Excellence, Legacy and Impact,” attracted dignitaries including Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu, businessman Obi Cubana and other political, business and professional leaders.
In his acceptance speech, Umahi dedicated the award to Tinubu, as well as the engineers, contractors and other professionals working on infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
