Federal Ministry of Works

Mar

2026

LATEST PRESS

National Media Tour: FG Intensifies Renewed Hope Agenda with Strategic Road Projects Across Nasarawa State

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its intention to improve road infrastructure across the country as part of efforts to enhance economic growth, connectivity, and ease of movement for Nigerians. This assurance was reiterated during the continuation of the Federal Ministry of Works’ nationwide media tour and commissioning of emergency and special intervention projects in Nasarawa State.

Speaking during the tour, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, stated that the projects are part of the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to rehabilitate critical sections of its road network under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He explained that upon assuming office in May 2023, the present administration inherited 2,064 ongoing road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding challenges, and an inherited debt burden of about ₦13 trillion.

According to him, the Federal Government consequently prioritised 260 emergency and special intervention projects across the country to address critically failed sections of federal roads and areas affected by flooding and other natural disasters.
“These projects were initiated to quickly restore critical road and transport links to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services across the country,” Ahmed said.
He noted that the intervention projects are being executed under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, is part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

One of the projects commissioned during the tour was a 6-kilometre section of the road linking Agyaragu town to Sabon Kwara in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Nasarawa State. The contractor, A.A. Albasu (Nigeria) Limited, commenced construction in November, 2022 and completed it in November, 2023. The project forms part of a 10.5-kilometre corridor serving the surrounding communities.

The construction works included earthworks, excavation and removal of existing culverts, and excavation to the required depth to receive blinding. Other works carried out include the provision of pipe culverts and lined drains, 200mm thick naturally occurring lateritic sub-base course materials, 100mm thick crushed stone base course, asphaltic concrete wearing course, surface dressing on shoulders, and lane markings.

Providing technical details of the project, the Federal Controller of Works in Nasarawa State, Engr. Ishaku Mamri, explained that the road had previously been in a deplorable condition, causing significant hardship for road users, residents, and traders, who rely on the route to transport goods and access nearby towns. He disclosed that the rehabilitated section was constructed to a standard width of 7.3 metres with shoulders, and that it includes approximately 4 kilometres of drainage infrastructure to ensure durability and effective water management. “The road was awarded in November, 2022 and completed in 2023. It has since been in use by the community and has significantly improved movement within the area,” he added. Engr. Mamri noted that residents have expressed appreciation for the intervention, while also appealing for the completion of the remaining four (4) kilometres of the alignment.

As part of the Media Tour, Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Aminu, a representative of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lafia Branch, Engr Simon Obagu were present. Also present was the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali, who performed the official commissioning of the project, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works.

The media tour also included a visit to the ongoing Lafia Bypass project site, a 15.8-kilometre alternative route designed to ease traffic congestion within Lafia metropolis by providing a faster corridor for commuters travelling between Abuja, Makurdi, and the eastern parts of the country.

According to the Project Engineer for Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Engr. Tijani Olalekan, the contract, which had previously stalled after being awarded by the past administration, fully recommenced in February, 2024 under the current administration and has now reached over 80 percent completion. It is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The scope of work includes site clearance and earthworks, construction of hydraulic structures, sub-base, stone base, stone pitching, lined drains, asphaltic concrete binder course, as well as the relocation of electrical poles along the project’s corridor.

The Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, Nasarawa State, Hon. Mu’azu A. Gosho, commended the contractor for the quality of work. Also present were the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lafia Branch, Engr. Simon Obagu, Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Aminu, representing COREN; the NUJ Chairman in Nasarawa State, Salisu Mohammed Alkali; and community members, who all expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work executed.

At the Nasarawa–Toto axis, officials also visited ongoing rehabilitation works on the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto–Abaji road, a strategic route aimed at improving connectivity between the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and other neighbouring states.
The Controller explained that the road project, originally awarded in 2018, experienced delays due to inadequate funding but has since gained momentum following renewed commitment from the Federal Government.

The FCW further revealed that the project has been restructured into phases, with the initial Phase 1 nearing completion under the 2025–2026 budgetary provisions, while Phase 2, involving concrete pavement construction is set to commence, soon. The Federal Government recently approved the second phase of the project covering approximately 129.3 kilometres at a cost of about ₦203 billion, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s road and transport infrastructure.

The Project Manager, Mr. William, as well as the Site Engineer, Engr. Daniel Aleyemi, assured the team of quality work, while expressing optimism that the project would be completed before the end of the month.

The Director of Information and Public Relations emphasised that road infrastructure development remains a central pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly under the priority area focused on expanding and improving the national infrastructure. He noted that the administration is also advancing four (4) Legacy Road Projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, and the Dualisation of Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road, all aimed at transforming connectivity and stimulating economic development across the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. All the roads will be on concrete pavements with solar street lighting and railways.

The nationwide media tour, he added, is designed to promote transparency, allow journalists and professional bodies to verify the quality of ongoing works, and enable Nigerians to see firsthand the progress being made in the delivery of critical infrastructure.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to sustaining the momentum in road construction, reconstruction, expansion, and rehabilitation to support economic growth, national integration, and improved quality of life for Nigerians.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
7 March, 2026.

Oct

2025

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK TO ACCELERATE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with international development institutions to fast-track the completion of major road and bridge projects across the country. Engr. Umahi said this on the 22nd October 2025, when he received a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Regional Hub (RH) in Nigeria, led by its Team Leader, Operations, Mr. Ibrahim Chalive, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. The discussions held, centred on deepening the collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Works, Finance, and the IsDB, to fund and implement key components of the Four (4) Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects under the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Honourable Minister also emphasised that infrastructure remains a major driver of economic growth, noting that the Ministry is committed to transparent, innovative, and cost-effective project delivery. He reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda accords high priority to road development as a catalyst for economic emancipation, job creation, and improved mobility of goods and people nationwide. He also expressed a profound gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Members of the National Assembly for their support towards infrastructure development, particularly in facilitating funding interventions that align with the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects. Umahi further commended the Islamic Development Bank for its sustained interest and partnership in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, describing the visit as a constructive step toward consolidating gains already achieved and expanding the scope of cooperation. In his remarks, Mr. Chalive conveyed the Bank’s satisfaction with the Ministry’s ongoing reforms in engineering design, quality assurance, and project management. He assured that the Bank remains committed to providing both financial and technical support to strengthen Nigeria’s infrastructure base. After their discussions, both parties agreed to establish a joint technical team to identify priority areas and develop a framework for collaboration that ensures accountability, transparency, and timely project delivery. This reinforced collaboration marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and advance the vision of sustainable national development. In attendance at the meeting was the Special Assistant to the President (S.A.-P.), Stakeholders Engagement, South East, Barr. Chioma Nweze. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 22nd October 2025. ...

Oct

2025

WORKS MINISTER,SEN. UMAHI REPRIMANDS CCECC NIGERIA LIMITED OVER POOR CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY ON ABA BOUND OF ENUGU-PORT HARCOURT EXPRESSWAY, DESCOPES PORT HARCOURT BOUND,ISSUES 14 DAYS TERMINATION NOTICE FOR SUB-STANDARD PERFORMANCE In his avowed determination to entrench the new construction codes and regulations in the method statement of construction works under the Federal Ministry of Works, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr. Nweze David Umahi,CON, has reprimanded the poor construction methodology deployed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited on the rehabilitation works on the Aba bound of the Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, contract No. 6252. The Honourable Minister, who was on a routine supervision of ongoing road projects within South South and South East on Sunday 19th October 2025, expressed displeasure over the recalcitrance of the contractor in complying with the new construction codes and regulations which are aimed at building enduring road infrastructure for the nation. Speaking during the inspection visit, the Honourable Minister decried the state of the 43-km Aba-Port Harcourt inherited ongoing project handled by CCECC, which he said was on the verge of total collapse. He directed that a 14-day notice of termination be issued to the contractor, having regard to the various warning letters issued to the contractor over their poor construction performance on the said job. He further directed that the Port Harcourt bound of the project be descoped and reawarded to a competent contractor. "If you get to Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years or thereabout, the entire road has almost totally failed. We have been writing them to maintain this road. They have refused, and so I have to take responsibility and take decision. Number one, the Port Harcourt bound is descoped, no longer going to be done by CCECC.I will direct the Ministry of Works to scout out for very qualified indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt bound. *They should be the contractor that will start work immediately while we sort out for funds for them._Number two, for the site handled by CCECC, they should issue them 14 days notice of termination of the job. And I want this directive to go very wide. After 14 days, they fail to mill out the binder and replace it properly,the job will be terminated; they have to initiate it; they have to commit to doing that. Even if they are going to do it during the dry season, they have to maintain the ones that they have done and they put in writing that they're going to mill out the binder at their own cost, and then be able to put a new binder, which we have paid for. He reiterated that putting binder for a stretch of the project without putting wearing is unacceptable. On another development, the Hounourable Minister has commended the quality of work on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, Section II - Umuahia Tower-Aba Rail/ Road crossing in Abia State, Contract No. 6209 handled by M/S Arab Contractors O. A. O Nigeria Limited. The 56-km inherited ongoing project was noted to have reached 85% completion. "They are one of our best, the first five. Even we want them to maintain from Aba to Umuahia, the completed section. So they're working very hard. The controller is also doing very well. I wish the controller to visit all the projects of the Federal Government in Abia State. He should be able to visit all the projects in Abia State at least once a week, so that if there is a problem of impending danger, impending of problem of cost, you let us know. The Honourable Minister noted the terrible situation of inherited road projects nationwide, which are all receiving priority intervention by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR He thanked Mr. President for the encouragement given to the Federal Ministry of Works to turn around the road development trajectory of Nigeria. _"In Nigeria, all the roads became a priority because of the terrible situation of the roads that the President inherited. But he's doing his best. And we are also working with him to offer our best in the country. We feel so bad when our people can't move from one point to the other all over the country. I feel so sad. That is usually my lowest moment. But, I'm still encouraged with the support the president is giving on roads and bridges because that is the basis of economic activities, and I think that we are very lucky to have him because the economy is breaking now. We are the third largest growing economy in the whole world, so we will get there" Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser ( Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works 20th October 2025 ...

Oct

2025

Umahi Inspects Mararaba–Keffi Carriageway, Keffi Flyover Project, Visits Keffi-Nasarawan Toto–Abaji Road The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of key road projects in Nasarawa State. At the site of the Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararraba-Keffi Dual Carriageway, the Minister expressed serious concerns about the pace of work and lack of adherence to engineering specifications. He informed the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company that after several warnings, the Ministry is left with no choice but to revoke the contract for the Abuja-bound carriageway. He further directed that it should be awarded to a local contractor with a proven track record, who will be mobilised to complete the concrete shoulders and other pending works. The slow pace of construction had been causing considerable hardship for road users and residents along the corridor. The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, Directors and other staff of the Ministry, representatives of the construction firms handling the various projects, and was met at the Keffi Flyover by the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Sen. Ahmed Wadata, officials of the State Government, and other stakeholders. Engr. Umahi emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to delivering high-quality and durable road infrastructure, meeting global engineering standards and capable of serving Nigerians for decades. “We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors, who delay projects and ignore directives,” he declares. The Minister reiterated his faith in Nigerian Engineers and contractors, guaranteeing that they would deliver quality jobs comparable to international standards, when given the opportunity. He also warned that any contractor who fails to meet deadlines or flouts directives would have their contracts terminated. Engr. Umahi cautioned that “If by the 15th of December, you do not finish the scope of work, I will terminate the whole contract. We must begin to trust our local contractors. This is about discipline, quality, and integrity,” he stressed. He went further to say that “when we came on board, we reviewed the method statement for this project because we could not accept a design that would destroy an already consolidated subgrade,” Umahi explained. “We changed the design to include 20 cm of concrete on the inner shoulder and reinforced the stone base with 3.5% cement content. The sections already completed are excellent and will last for a minimum of 50 years.” The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, also admonished contractors to show greater seriousness and commitment to the timely completion of projects. He restated that the present administration is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time, as well as improve the quality of life of Nigerians. Goronyo added that we must all take our responsibilities seriously. “Contractors must adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, as the Ministry will not compromise on quality and accountability,” the Minister disclosed. The Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu reported that about 50% of the project has been completed and assured that the first phase will be delivered by December 15, 2025. At the site of the Emergency Repairs of the Damaged Keffi Flyover, the Minister, accompanied by the Nasarawa State Governor, said that “two months ago, a tragic accident damaged part of this flyover, leading to loss of lives. We reported it to Mr. President, who immediately approved funds for its repairs.” “Today, we can see the quality of work being done. They are recasting the entire slab, not just the affected part at a very conservative cost of ₦1.5 billion,” he added. On the soon-to-be-awarded rescoped Keffi-Nasarawan Toto-Abaji Road, the Minister informed the Governor and his entourage that the original contract sum of ₦73 billion covered an initial 43.65 km stretch. However, the initial scope has now been reviewed and extended to 137 km, reaching Abaji town in the FCT, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under a special funding arrangement. In his remarks, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their interventions in the State, especially the Keffi Flyover, which was recently damaged by an overloaded truck. The Governor further noted that the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto-Abaji road is crucial to the economic development of both Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, as it serves as a major gateway for goods, services, and people. It also serves the biggest Lithium Factory in Africa, recently commissioned by Mr. President. Senator Wadada, representing Nasarawa West and other stakeholders commended the Minister for his dedication, describing him as an “uncommon performer,” whose hands-on approach reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. They also applauded the President for being “a leader for all.” Engr. Umahi reaffirmed that all ongoing Federal projects will now adopt the revised engineering method statement, which emphasises, complete milling of old pavement, reinforcement of subgrade with stone base and cement, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and proper drainage and slope control. He also stressed that these specifications are designed to guarantee a minimum lifespan of 50 years for the reconstructed roads. “No contractor, no matter how connected, will be allowed to compromise on quality. Mr. President has done his part by approving funding; it is now our duty to ensure delivery,” the Minister emphasised. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 12th October 2025. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2023

Minister of Works, Umahi Appoints Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji as Chief Press Secretary.

Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Former Commissioner for Information, Ebonyi State, has been appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. The appointment takes immediate effect. He was Deputy Director Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Sub Committee on CSOs 2023. Director, Directorate of Information, Divine Mandate Campaign Council, 2023.

Orji Uchenna Orji Francis was born 3rd February 1976. He hails from Amaedim Ngwogwo, village, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He is happily married to Mrs Ijeoma Sylvia Orji and the union is blessed with 6 adorable children. The trained articulate Lawyer never hesitates to announce that his Next of Kin is his wife.

SPEECHES

Dec

2022

“Mind, Mindset And State Of Mind”, Being The Text Of A Lecture Delivered By Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON At The 11th Convocation Ceremony Of The Veritas University, Abuja On The 3rd Day Of December, 2022

When Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah called to ask me if I would be disposed to give this year’s convocation lecture, I enthusiastically agreed.

The reason is not far-fetched. A convocation ceremony in a university is a milestone of success. A success that reckons the end of a very important task and the beginning of yet another.

As you all very well know, success has many fathers and I am glad to be a part of your success.

To the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, members of the academic and non-academic staff, to the parents and guardians, and of course our graduands, their families and their friends whose success we convoke to formalize and celebrate, please accept my sincere and very hearty congratulations.

When the Vice Chancellor, Reverend Father H.E Ichoku formalized my invitation by his letter of 7th October 2022 he said and I quote:

“… you are at liberty to speak on any topic that prepares our graduates for the future and also leaves a long-lasting impression in their minds.”

That certainly is not an easy task, to prepare you for the future and leave a long-lasting impression on you.

Your parents, guardians and lecturers have been doing that for years. The success we commemorate today is proof that they have done a good job. But I will attempt to make a modest contribution to their effort.

I can think of no better place to start than to take you back in time, to share two of my own personal experiences with you; in 1987, thirty-five years ago, when I graduated from the University of Benin; and in 1988, thirty-four years ago, when I graduated from the Nigerian Law School.

The first experience was as I said just after graduation from the University of Benin and in the period between graduation and the wait for NYSC call up letter.

I felt really good, as many of you must feel today. My sister then invited me to accompany her to a party hosted by her fiancé’s friend and as a big sister, she was also very proud to show me off.

In the course of the event, I met a couple of her fiancé’s friends and chatted with them. And every time they asked what I was doing, I was clearly too young to be one of them, so they asked the normal adult to young person question: “What are you doing now?”

My reply was, I have just finished, and it came with a big chip on my shoulder. What you would probably call “swag” today.

This is because I was waiting for the follow up question: “What have you finished?”

And every time any of my elder inquisitors asked me, what have you finished? I would eagerly blurt out “I have just finished university,” and off I went, and if there was a follow-up, I eagerly responded by saying I graduated in Law with a Second-Class Lower Division.

By my own standards, this was a great achievement, because I did not like school. I was enjoying myself and going through the same question and answer routine with my older inquisitors until I met one who stopped me dead in my tracks, burst my bubble, and brought me down to earth.

He simply said: “You have not finished anything young man. You have not even started.”

He left an unforgettable impression on me. I was not angry, I was challenged.

The second story is much shorter. It derives from the speech delivered by the Chairman of the Body of Benchers at our call to bar. What has stayed with me from that speech till today, which I want to share with you, is about self-discipline.

The speaker reminded us that from birth till that day that we had been under what he called imposed discipline as many of you have been; discipline imposed by our parents, guardians, teachers and lecturers.

I recall him saying that this was the most easy form of discipline we will come by because we did not control it.

On that night, he then told us that we have been relieved from that imposed discipline and that what would make the difference in our lives is the amount of self-discipline we can impose on ourselves and this was a matter of choice.

Self-discipline will teach you preparation and planning that will give you an edge over the competition.

It will teach you time keeping that will earn you respect and build you a reputation of reliability.

I have chosen to share these two messages with all of you because your Vice Chancellor has challenged me to help prepare you for the future and leave an impression on you.

My two stories had both effects on me; they prepared me for today and have remained with me. I hope you find them useful.

This then takes me to my next message to you which is that although you are graduating today, your education is not over or finished. It is just about to start.

Between the time you entered this school and now, the world in which you will operate has changed in many ways, not the least by a global pandemic of yet undetermined origins and by a war of choice, which is having global ramifications beyond the immediate theatre of war.

Therefore, you must continue to learn more about your world, your country and yourself in order to better appreciate your role, and more importantly your responsibility.

I speak of responsibility because it is an important reason why you passed through this institution. Many years ago, this institution did not exist. But it has been brought about by the decision of men and women who were once graduates like yourselves and perhaps some who did not have a university education.

They became adults as you will become, and took responsibility to create this school, where your young minds can be shaped and moulded in readiness for the world you are about to experience.

Your first responsibility it seems to me, is to this school.

You will become members of the Alumni Association, and yes, you will soon start families and have children, and this is the reason why you owe a responsibility to this school and to yourselves to ensure that its standards are not just maintained but are improved upon.

I foresee without requiring a crystal ball that within about two decades from now, you will be looking for universities for your children, will this school still be good enough a choice for your children? That is a matter of responsibility.

I foresee again without a crystal ball that within about two decades from now, some of you will be leaders of our corporate spaces in the private sector, leaders of our government institutions and leaders and managers of our educational, health, security and critical institutions.

What kind of Nigeria do you see today and what kind of Nigeria do you think you will manage and bequeath to the next generation - your children?

The answer to that question depends on your mind, your mindset or state of mind.

This is the subject I have chosen to speak to you all about: Your mind, your mindset and your state of mind.

By this I refer to your capacity for awareness; your established set of attitudes, and your cognitive processes.

Let me start by making some disclosures to you. All my education was in Nigeria, I have seen a difficult and not so difficult Nigeria. In all of it, my belief in this country and its promise has never changed. Nigeria remains for me a home, a place to treasure, to nurture and to protect.

My state of mind is not to take flight to another man’s land and from there pour scorn and hate on the place of my birth. My state of mind tells me to offer my skills and deploy my energies towards improving the place I call home.

My mindset is such that I believe that my contributions can improve something even if it does not improve everything. My mindset tells me that greatness is not an event, it is a process to which we all have contributions to make.

I have often marvelled at the mindset of those who take flight and when they fall upon difficult times then reach back to the place they deserted in search of relief, help or succour.

Please do not misunderstand me, they deserve every help we can offer, but what I marvel at is the mindset that seeks help from the place they deserted.

My message to you is to invite you to focus your minds, develop a mindset and maintain a state of mind that in every aspect of life that you believe Nigeria can do better, and that there are inherent opportunities to surpass any challenges that you may see.

This is a mindset of positivity, a state of mind that is hopeful and a mind that refuses to surrender to negativity.

Talk is certainly cheap. The easiest thing to do is to identify what does not work, and as one person famously said: “the job looks easy when you’re not the one doing it”.

However, talk does not fix broken things; it is a mindset of responsibility to change things that make things better.

A mindset of self-pity is something you must turn your back on and take responsibility for the kind of Nigeria you wish for.

At a press conference given after a football match, a coach was asked why his team lost. His response was that they did not lose; on the contrary, he said his team ran out of time.

This is a mindset of positivity ingrained in their people and their sportsmen that nobody is better than them. It is one that I commend to you all, because it is true. Nobody is better than any of you.

The only thing that can limit you is your mind, your mindset, and your state of mind. Are you ready to settle for less when you can have more?

Are you ready to manage bad services when you can insist the quality should be improved?

There are a legion of examples that have held back our people from generation to generation, please do not subscribe to them.

An example is the one that blames our situation and developmental status on colonialism; the amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Lugard and so on and so forth, 62 years after.

Please quote me that I said that it is not the fact of colonialism that has held us back; rather it is our mindset.

I see it in the most basic of things, such as when we want to register businesses, they must bear foreign names for us to feel good. It is the mindset that we must change.

I see that we have now appropriated a foreign culture called Black Friday. And we are now verbally heating ourselves up about whether sales were as much as most of other lands.

I think that the question we must ask is what Black Friday has to do with us, when we do not celebrate Thanksgiving.

Yes, we shop for Christmas in Ikeja, Dawanu, Wuse, Oyingbo, Uselu and other markets but not in the Black Friday way.

The use of our local names projects our identity and preserves our culture from generation to generation.

The names of our villages, cities and our individual names are as good as any name from anywhere.

You do not need anybody to validate you. You are an original.

Please tell the apologists of colonial heritage that the USA, UAE and China were once colonies that have become either better or as competitive as those who colonized them.

It is a positive mindset that enables you to understand that those who colonized you are approaching the peak of their development while ours is still fledging.

We have much more scope for development, the opportunity to leapfrog and the limitless capacity to be better.

The future should not therefore be defined or held back by the past.

Our minds, your minds, our mindset, your mindset and our state of mind, and your state of mind are the unshakeable pillars upon which that future will be built.

Think of it this way; the world listens to our music, watches our movies, uses our sportsmen and women, recruits our personnel across many fields of human endeavour and eats our food.

Clearly my mind tells me that there is inherent value and goodness in all of these contrary to the view that our continent is the dark continent.

I have no doubt that the world will drive our cars, use our laptops, telephones, airplanes, and much more, when we decide to make them.

To all our dear graduates, I offer commendation once again for what you have achieved here, but please remember that you have NOT finished.

Indeed, you are just about to start. As you do so, I urge you to be ambitious and audacious, nothing can limit you, except your mind, your mindset and your state of mind.

Unshackle your minds and reach for the stars and beyond.

Congratulations.