Umahi Assumes Office As Works Minister Amidst Cheers from Workers.

L-R: Minister of Works, H.E David Umahi in handshake with the representative of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry Of Works Engr, Folorunso B. Esan, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation at the official assumption of office by the Honourable Minister at the Ministry's HQters office in Abuja.

..... Calls for professionalism and seriousness to work, advocating for change from the existing style to new innovations and the use of local content.  

"I will challenge my fellow engineers on the issue of concrete technology even in the midst of forex challenge and 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."

The newly sworn-in Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has resumed  at the Works Ministry.

He was received amidst a rousing receptiion by Management Staff of the Ministry alongside workers in the Ministry. 

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmuda Mamman represented by the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan led Management Staff.

The former Governor of Ebonyi State, and also the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, now  Minister as nominated by Mr President 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.

Addressing a cross section of  staff of the Ministry, Umahi has called for professionalism and seriousness to work, advocating for change from the existing style to new innovations and the use of local content.  

"I will challenge my fellow engineers on the issue of concrete technology even in the midst of forex challenge and 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." He said.

The Minister stated that his administration is not to seat in the office but to be in the field, inspecting on going works and effecting the change we want saying that the fortunes of the nation are determined by the attitude of its professionals.

"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.

He promised by the special Grace of God 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 is 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 and be part of history, he thanked everyone for making out time to welcome him and promised to be there for everyone.

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. 

*Lere-Adams Blessing*

Director (Information)

Press & Public Relations Unit 

August 21, 2023