The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint more ministers with the competence, drive, and performance record of Senator Dave Nweze Umahi, Minister of Works, as the administration marks its second anniversary.
In a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group lauded Senator Umahi’s remarkable achievements in infrastructure delivery, particularly the successful rollout of the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing him as a “hallmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Senator Umahi has set a new standard for public service. His work ethic, speed of execution, and commitment to national development are exactly what Nigeria needs more of in government,” the statement noted.
Ohanaeze expressed confidence that if the Tinubu administration had five or six ministers of Umahi’s calibre in key ministries such as Power, Economy, Agriculture, Health, Security, and Petroleum Resources, Nigeria’s development would be on par with fast-growing economies like India, Singapore, and Morocco.
“It is a bitter truth, but one that must be told: Nigeria needs more Umahis in government. With leaders of his competence and integrity, we could transform our economy and governance structure rapidly,” the group stated.
The organization further described Umahi as a true representation of the Igbo spirit—innovative, resilient, and results-driven—and lamented that such qualities remain underutilized in the current Federal Executive Council.
Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to seize the opportunity of the upcoming June 12 Democracy Day to reshuffle his cabinet and bring in more tested, visionary leaders who can help turn the tide on national challenges.
“If the President expands his team to include more ministers like Umahi and extends a hand of inclusion to the Igbo people through strategic appointments and infrastructure initiatives, he will find in them not just supporters, but committed partners for nation-building,” Isiguzoro said.
The group emphasized that the Igbos, with their significant presence in every local government area in Nigeria, are well-positioned to bolster national unity and strengthen the President’s support base—provided they are genuinely included in governance.
“We believe Nigeria’s progress lies in inclusive leadership and competence. Rewarding excellence and expanding the circle of high-performing ministers like Senator Umahi is not just good politics—it’s a necessity for national transformation,” the statement concluded.