March 17, (THEWILL)- In a nation where inefficiency and mismanagement have often plagued public service, the performances of Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works and Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, stand out as beacons of hope. These two leaders, hailing from different political parties but united in their commitment to responsible governance, have demonstrated that transformative change is possible when the right people are placed in positions of authority.
From the moment he assumed office as the Minister of Works in August 2023, Umahi, a seasoned civil engineer and politician from Ebonyi State, hit the ground running. His appointment was met with optimism, given his impressive track record as the former governor of Ebonyi State, where he spearheaded a remarkable infrastructural transformation.
Umahi’s tenure as Minister of Works has been nothing short of inspirational. He has traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria, assessing the condition of major federal roads and laying out a comprehensive plan for their rehabilitation and reconstruction. His emphasis on the use of concrete technology for road construction has been widely praised, as it promises to deliver more durable and long-lasting infrastructure, setting a new standard for the country.
One of Umahi’s most notable achievements thus far has been the progress made on the Third Mainland Bridge, a critical transportation link in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic heartbeat. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Works has not only been carrying out necessary maintenance, resurfacing and improvement works but also has ensured the smooth flow of traffic, minimising disruptions to the daily lives of thousands of commuters.
Umahi’s background as a civil engineer has undoubtedly been a significant asset in his role as Minister of Works. He possesses a deep understanding of the technical aspects of infrastructure development, enabling him to make informed decisions and implement projects with efficiency and precision. This expertise, combined with his governance experience as the former governor of Ebonyi State, has proven to be an invaluable combination.
The Association of Ministry of Works’ Contractors has lauded the Federal Government, under Umahi’s leadership, for its excellent arrangement in the payment of money to contractors handling road projects. This commendation highlights the minister’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for infrastructure development by ensuring timely payments and adherence to best practices.
Umahi’s emphasis on providing indigenous contractors with a level playing field and equal opportunities in the award of contracts is a testament to his dedication to promoting local talent and capacity-building. By stressing the need for strict adherence to procurement and job specifications, he is paving the way for greater speed and best standards in road infrastructure projects, which are essential for economic growth, security and reduced transportation costs.
Like Umahi, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to responsible leadership and transformative change. Since assuming office, Otti has embarked on an ambitious economic transformation plan aimed at creating wealth and employment opportunities in the state.
One of Otti’s flagship initiatives is the Aba Industrial City Project, which seeks to revitalise the industrial sector and attract investments to the state.
By leveraging Abia’s comparative advantage in agriculture and other sectors, Otti is paving the way for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
Otti’s governance approach has been characterised by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. He initiated a forensic audit of the state workforce, which uncovered and eliminated thousands of ghost workers, saving millions of naira for the state’s coffers. This bold move has not only restored fiscal discipline but also instilled confidence in the public service, demonstrating Otti’s commitment to rooting out corruption and mismanagement. Salaries, pensions, and gratuities are now promptly paid to workers and retirees in Abia State, ensuring improved living standards for the state’s workforce.
In the realm of infrastructure development, Governor Otti has made significant strides, particularly in the commercial city of Aba. Within his first 100 days in office, he flagged off the renovation of nine roads in Aba, with seven of them completed and inaugurated within four months.
This rapid pace of infrastructure development is a testament to Otti’s commitment to transforming the state and improving the lives of its residents.
Moreover, he has confirmed the construction of a light rail system across the state in collaboration with a Chinese construction company. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses transportation challenges but also signifies a transformative leap towards a more sustainable, interconnected and vibrant Abia State.
By fostering strategic partnerships with foreign and local investors, donors, and development partners, Otti is leveraging external resources to support various projects and programmes in the state.
The achievements of Umahi and Otti serve as inspiring examples of what can be accomplished when dedicated and competent individuals are entrusted with positions of leadership. Their commitment to excellence, transparency and accountability has set a new standard for public service in Nigeria, challenging the status quo and demonstrating that positive change is indeed possible.
As Umahi continues to oversee the renaissance of Nigeria’s infrastructure and Otti forges ahead with his transformative agenda in Abia State, their efforts are not only benefiting their respective constituencies but also setting a precedent for responsible governance across the nation.
These two leaders, each hailing from different political parties and backgrounds, have proven that effective leadership transcends party lines and ideological divides. Their shared commitment to the greater good and their unwavering dedication to serving the people have united them in a common cause – the pursuit of progress and development for their constituencies.
In celebrating the achievements of Umahi and Otti, we are not only acknowledging their individual successes but also recognising the immense potential that lies within Nigeria’s leadership ranks. Their stories serve as a clarion call to other public servants and elected officials, challenging them to embrace transparency, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in service to the nation.
As Nigeria attempts to find its way toward sustainable development and economic prosperity, I have decided to draw attention to the examples set by Umahi and Otti to inspire a new generation of leaders who are driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to transformative change. The legacies of these two, an ex-governor and a sitting governor, will stand as a testament to the power of responsible governance and the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on the lives of millions.
In a nation where scepticism and cynicism have often overshadowed hope, the achievements of Umahi and Otti serve as a reminder that change is not only possible but also within reach. Through their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, they have demonstrated that, even in the face of adversity, Nigeria can rise to new heights of progress and prosperity when the right leaders are at the helm.
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