Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.
Umahi emerged the Man of the Year after defeating LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obinna, Imo State Governor Hope Udodinma, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and some other dignitaries from the Igbo land.
According to the Igbo Apex socio-cultural Organization, Umahi’s accomplishments as Minister of Works have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The group stated this in a statement signed by its Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Sunday.
According to Isiguzoro, Umahi has revitalised dilapidated federal roads to create innovative job opportunities via groundbreaking cement technology.
The statement reads; “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to express its unequivocal admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration’s impactful recognition of the Southeastern region marks a landmark shift not witnessed in 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. His commitment to massive infrastructure development throughout the Southeast, largely orchestrated by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, positions the region for a future that is decidedly more prosperous and hopeful.
“In our thorough and independent assessment of public office holders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous model of evaluation. This new set of “Igbo Performance Perimeters and Indexes” provided a transparent and quantifiable means to hold public officials accountable. It enabled us to meticulously examine the contributions of Igbo governors, ministers, national leaders, and local government chairmen across key areas:
1. Infrastructure Development:* Enhancement of Southeast roads and public works.
2. Job Creation:* Initiatives aimed at mitigating unemployment among Igbo youths.
3. Insecurity Solutions:* Concrete contributions to addressing the security challenges faced by the region.
4. Democratic Inclusiveness:* Engagement with the Federal Government to secure southeastern interests.
5. Historical and Current Antecedents:* Political actions that have visibly affected the welfare of Southeast residents.
“Despite a significant number of Igbo public office holders demonstrating commendable performance in 2024, a disturbing trend surfaced: an alarming level of executive misconduct among certain governors, characterized by financial improprieties and challenges to the autonomy of local governments. Most notably, issues with the integrity and independence of 95 Local Government Areas (LGAs) surfaced, reflecting poorly on governance standards in parts of the Southeast, save for the exemplary conduct displayed by the governors of Ebonyi and Enugu states, who prioritized fair local elections and the sanctity of LGA autonomy.
“In our comprehensive report, we proudly announce Senator Dave Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year. His accomplishments as Minister of Works have been nothing short of extraordinary. From revitalising dilapidated federal roads to creating innovative job opportunities via groundbreaking cement technology, Umahi has delivered tangible benefits to the people. Notably, his effective strategies in fostering development have addressed longstanding security concerns on major highways, helping to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the region.
“The acknowledgment of Umahi’s pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious relationship between the Southeast and the Federal Government, especially highlighted by his efforts to prevent regional participation in national protests, is commendable. This has fostered an environment conducive to collaborative governance—an important disposition for a polarised nation. Consequently, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu stands as the second-best performer among National Assembly members, solidifying the significance of a concerted Igbo political strategy going forward.
“Additionally, we extend our commendation to Governors Peter Mba and Francis Nwaifuru of Enugu and Ebonyi States, who exhibited exemplary governance by allowing their elected local chairmen full access to the benefits that stem from local government autonomy, thereby promoting transparency and accountability. Their practices stand as a beacon of governance excellence amid a troubling national landscape.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, elucidates that our organization is committed to a unified governance framework aimed at ensuring all Igbo leaders use their public positions to serve the interests of the Igbos and Nigerians at large. The advancement of the Southeast Development Commission and peace initiatives within our region—led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu—is a testament to our collective vision and unyielding resolve.
“In closing, we reiterate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s acknowledgement of our plight and active measures to redress historical grievances mark him as a trailblazer among Nigerian leaders. His strategic investments in the infrastructure solidify Senator Umahi’s stance as a pivotal figure in this administration. The overwhelming support the Igbos pledge for the 2027 elections, informed by the renewed hope instilled by Tinubu’s leadership, promises to redefine our collective political destiny”.
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