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Take this: Senator Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s current Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State is a man among men. He is like a goldfish, which cannot hide.
Born on July 25, 1963, some call him the Lion of the South East. Some dress him in the admirable robe of infrastructure master. There are also those who describe him as Mkpuru oku na agba ozara (a seed/spark of fire burning in the wilderness) because of his intimidating energy.
Whether you love or despise his politics, you cannot ignore his footprints in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, particularly his advocacy for solid, long-lasting concrete roads. Always super charged, he exhibits superior character, profound intellectual sagacity and astute administrative acumen.
As Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Umahi is aggressively connecting the entire country through the Lagos – Calabar Coastal road and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, among others.
As governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi changed the narrative. The state, in general, was obscure, rural. It had little to offer in terms of modern or state-of-the-art facilities. But he changed things.
The capital, Abakaliki, which was just a glorified village, became a beautiful city, a city with an enchanting road network, alluring lawns and trees. Under him, it became a patch of Eden.
Indigenes of Ebonyi State, who had been away for a while got a pleasant surprise when they came home. They were amazed by the developmental strides of the Umahi administration across the state.
Umahi transformed the state, particularly Abakaliki, turning it to a smart city. It became one of the fastest developing cities in the country. If you visit Abakaliki at night, when the overhead bridge lights and streetlights are on, you will be reminded of Shanghai.
Driving round most of the towns became a pleasure. Motorists and other road users were having fun while entrepreneurs were taking full advantage of the facilities by opening business concerns across the state.
Ebonyi State under Umahi as governor witnessed unprecedented progress in the history of the state. His administration washed off the age-long stigma of backwardness associated with the state. Ebonyi people are now very proud of who they are. This has been achieved by the physical development in the nooks and crannies of the state as evidenced by massive infrastructural projects, with emphasis on township and rural roads, drainage projects and many more. There is urban renewal even as the rural areas are being opened up.
Furthermore, he introduced a variety of agricultural initiatives and the result is that the state has become the food basket of Eastern Nigeria. Ebonyi rice became hot cake in the country. Of course, he has won many awards for revolutionising agriculture in the state, among other things.
He also left an indelible mark in the healthcare sector with the birthing of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu, Ebonyi State (DUFUHS) and David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State (DUFUTH). This signature tertiary institution has helped in tackling health tourism in Nigeria, particularly the South East.
Umahi’s robust approach and unique governance style remain his selling points. Just as he did when he hit ground running immediately after his inauguration as governor, he has performed brilliantly as minister.
Without doubt, Umahi is a good manager of men and resources as well as a source of blessing to many, particularly youths and women. Over the years, he has offered scholarship to thousands of students, empowered thousands of people and built houses for dozens of vulnerable people through his Ekubaraoha Foundation.
As the Adu 1 of Adu Kingdom hits 63, the apex youth organisation in his community, Adu Youths Forum, led by Hon. Ogbonnaya Ene Odii, said: “Your strength, leadership and compassion inspire all who have the privilege to know you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you make in our community, state and country. Keep shining and leading the way.”
