The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged communities in Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Cross River and other parts of the country to acknowledge and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as massive infrastructure intervention across the nation.
Umahi made the appeal at the weekend during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Federal Government Trans-Saharan Highway, which cuts across Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Kogi and other states.
The Minister said President Tinubu was “a miracle to these communities” because, without the intervention, many of them would not have been able to move their agricultural produce, vehicles and machinery.
“When people say, ‘You are constructing roads,’ they should come and see these communities in Benue. Some of these communities have no federal roads leading to them.
“I think the President is a miracle to these communities because without this intervention, many of them would not have been able to move their agricultural produce, vehicles and machinery,” Umahi said.
He stated that the President was concerned about the welfare of the masses, which informed his directive to the Ministry of Works to collaborate with state governments to address problems affecting the people through massive infrastructure development.
Umahi commended the President for approving mobilisation for the project despite the country’s financial challenges and the volume of ongoing projects nationwide.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the bull by the horns and intervened in many of the issues. We cannot have all the money to do all the projects at once, so we will continue to do as much as we can based on our available resources.
“By the end of 2031, which will be the end of President Bola Tinubu’s second tenure if he is re-elected, these projects and roads would have been fully completed. I commend the President very highly,” he said.
The former Ebonyi Governor added, “If previous presidents had intervened in this manner, perhaps we would not be in the kind of situation we are facing today.”
He called on Nigerians to re-elect Tinubu in 2027.
The Traditional Ruler of Ndiagu Ishieke Autonomous Community, Ado LGA, HRH Idenyi Agbo, commended the Federal Government for the project, describing it as responsive governance capable of transforming the economic fortunes of communities along the corridor.
He eulogised Umahi for applying his engineering expertise and sensitivity to cultural heritage, noting that the Minister ensured his palace was not demolished during construction.
“There is no other person we would rather support at this moment than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia and the APC candidates because we have seen the impact of their administration in our communities,” the monarch declared.
A stakeholder, Chief Patrick Agbo of Odoke Ishieke, said the road would stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity, urging the Minister to convey the community’s appreciation to President Tinubu.
The Project Manager, Section Two, Rabih Munayer, said the 173.4 km section traverses Benue, Enugu and Kogi states. He said directives had been given to minimise property damage and avoid unnecessary demolition.
The Consultant and Designer, Engineer Akelakpa Edra, said the design was being reviewed to replace some culverts with bridges and adjust the alignment to avoid properties.
The community pledged its cooperation and urged youths to protect the infrastructure and construction personnel.