Federal Ministry of Works

Aug

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REFORMS ARE YIELDING RESULTS, SAYS UMAHI, AS FG FLAGS OFF 122KM KADUNA (MANDO)–BIRNIN GWARI ROAD

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has affirmed that the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are yielding results across the country, with strategic road infrastructure driving economic growth, improving security, reducing hunger and reconnecting communities.

The Minister made the statement on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122KM Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State. He described the project as another fulfilled promise by President Tinubu and a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity, stimulating commerce and expanding economic opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are using this road infrastructure to fix the economic problems we met on ground, we are using road infrastructure to fight the insecurity we met on the ground, we are using road building to fight hunger we met on the ground, we are using this road infrastructure to fight the injustices we met on ground where some state had no federal project like Plateau, Gombe, Ebonyi and even Kaduna.”

Umahi emphasized that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road is one of President Tinubu’s promises fulfilled, noting that the project will significantly reduce travel time between Northern Nigeria and Lagos while opening up new economic routes. “By doing this road the president is shortening the distance between the north and Lagos. This is the shortest route to Lagos State. Because by the time it gets to Birnin Gwari, it leads to Niger then it connects Kwara, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos. What more can we say this is a very important road.”

The Minister also recalled the security challenges that once characterized the Abuja–Kaduna road, affirming that the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna Road has changed the narrative. “I was told that before now it was a bad idea traveling from Abuja to Kaduna because of countless attacks but it is now a thing of the past since the Abuja-Kaduna road project started.”

Responding to claims that the Federal Government is abandoning existing roads in favour of new ones, Umahi dismissed the criticism, citing several major rehabilitation projects currently underway across the country.“People say that we are doing new roads and abandoning old roads, is this 122km a new road?… Is the Sokoto to Zamfara down to Funtua down to Zaria, is it a new road, is the Enugu to Onitsha costing the President 350 Billion, is it a new road? The road from Makurdi to 9th Mile, is it new? The Bodo Bonny road, is it new? And the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road.”

He further noted that road infrastructure remains the foundation for national development, explaining that investment in roads stimulates every sector of the economy. “When a road is built it is a catalyst. It is a GDP that grows other GDPs. When a road is built insecurity is minimized, there is an agricultural revolution. When a road is built there is an increase in commerce and education and that is what this Divine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.”

Umahi also congratulated Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at $868 million. “Governor let me congratulate you a very big one internal light rail in Kaduna State has been approved by the President, it is a 50km light rail worth $868 million. This is a big one, you’re a goal getter.”

Calling for responsible democratic engagement, the Minister urged critics of the administration to offer constructive criticism that will help government improve service delivery. “Democracy is by choice, the people criticizing us should be constructive, it should not be insulting, deceitful, or saying mundane things. I can testify that when you criticize us constructively we have always gone to attend to such.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the ceremony by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari.

Governor Sani recalled that before becoming President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Birnin Gwari despite the severe security challenges in the area and promised to reconstruct the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road and restore lasting peace to the community. He noted that the flag-off of the project is a clear demonstration that the President keeps his promises.

Commending President Tinubu, Governor Sani explained that no previous administration has shown the level of commitment to Northern Nigeria demonstrated by the current President.“No President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us here in Northern Nigeria and I challenge everyone to come up with anything contrary to what I am saying. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot for us. We thank him for the love for the North, for the love for humanity, for the love for progress.”

Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the significant gains recorded in the fight against insecurity, noting that farmers have returned to their farms after years of fear and displacement.

Apr

2026

UMAHI RECEIVES NEW NLNG CEO, ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT’S APPROVAL FOR DUALISATION OF ROAD LINKING BODO-BONNY TO EAST-WEST ROAD The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has received the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Adeleye Falade, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, using the occasion to announce fresh approval for a major road project in Rivers State. The meeting, held on Wednesday, focused on the completed Bodo-Bonny Road and the next phase of development that will link it to the East-West Road, an important route for movement of people and goods in the Niger Delta. Speaking during the visit, the Minister revealed that the President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CON has approved the dualisation of the 8.9-kilometre road connecting Bodo-Bonny to the East-West Road. The project will be constructed with concrete and will include two flyovers, solar-powered streetlights, and modern monitoring systems. “I have listed that project for the president, he will tell me when he is ready for the commissioning and I will let you know and graciously he has also approved the 8.9km dualized and this time on concrete with two flyovers. We are working with Julius Berger since they are on site, it is more economical for us for them to continue. With the information I’m having from PPP I think the cost is about 150billion because it is a very terrible terrain, two flyovers and solar powered light, tree planting and also some rest house where we will stay and monitor the CCTV.” Umahi explained that part of the funds saved from the Bodo-Bonny Road project has already been redirected to improve the road with solar lights and tree planting. “We made some savings from the Bodo-Bonny and we directed them to use this savings to put solar light and then plant trees within that axis. So, I want to assure you that we work very closely with you and we are not going to be on that project when awarded for more then twelve months and the price will not be reviewed. So make it very clear in our agreement with you and us and them.” The Minister said the Tinubu administration is focused on building durable roads that will last for decades, while also improving safety and boosting economic activities. “I want to commend you very highly and I say that the president infrastructure revolution in Nigeria is quite unprecedented. There is no part of this country that you don’t see solid work going on and we are not talking about just road construction, he is building a road that will last between 50-100years with minimal maintenance and that is what he stands for. For the first time you see road is built, it has solar light. So that people can travel at night and it will increase commercial activity and also safety on the road. He has also directed to start mapping out our to put CCTV on our roads and have viewing points so that response them at every point in time will not be more than 10mins.” Earlier, Abdul Humaru introduced the NLNG team, saying: “We are here to introduce our new managing director and CEO and for a courtesy visit as well.” In his remarks, the NLNG boss, Adeleye Falade, thanked the Federal Government for its support, especially on the Bodo-Bonny Road, which he said is already making life easier for residents and businesses. “Just like Abdul said it is a courtesy visit but it is more than courtesy, we want to take this privilege to express gratitude particularly on Bodo Bonny road. I want to thank you for the support. The road as we have communicated is completed now, we are actually waiting for when you will give us a date for official commissioning but we know people are already using it. The road changed a lot of things about the activities on the Island. I went on the road myself from my office in Port Harcourt. It took me one and a half hours from my office to Bonny that is something that will ordinarily take us four hours.” He also expressed readiness for continued collaboration on the new road project. “We are grateful for the support. We are also grateful for the consideration of that 8.9km that leads into the East west road that enables us to maximize that particular road. We are still waiting for advice, who is going to handle that going forward. We are ready to provide support as well. So, today we have come to show gratitude for the support that we have gotten from you.” ...

Apr

2026

FG ADVANCES INFRASTRUCTURE DRIVE WITH APPROVAL OF NEW PPP ROAD PROJECTS, SOLAR LIGHTING, LANDSCAPING, AND ENHANCED SECURITY FEATURES The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable, innovative, and economically impactful infrastructure across Nigeria, following key approvals and policy directions aimed at accelerating national development. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to the Honourable Minister of Works on Wednesday. The Honourable Minister of Works, H. E. Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE disclosed that the President has approved the commencement of an extension of the recently completed Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project in Rivers State to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with an estimated cost of about ₦150 billion. The project is expected to incorporate modern engineering solutions, including the use of concrete technology to ensure long-term durability and minimal maintenance over a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. The Minister further revealed that the project has been slated for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for formal ratification, underscoring the administration’s commitment to due process and transparency in project execution. As part of efforts to enhance safety, aesthetics, and economic activity along the nation’s road corridors, the government has approved the installation of solar-powered street lighting and the planting of trees. These initiatives are designed to improve night-time visibility, boost security, beautify the corridor, and stimulate commercial activities across the host communities. In addition, plans are underway to deploy a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system along major highways, complemented by strategically located monitoring centres. This measure is expected to significantly reduce emergency response time to under 10 minutes, thereby strengthening road safety and security management. The project design also includes the construction of rest areas/relief stations and service facilities to support effective monitoring and maintenance operations. Contractors have been directed to utilise savings from project costs to further enhance infrastructure through the provision of solar lighting and tree planting, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. In a bid to improve logistics and reduce congestion, the government has emphasised the inclusion of truck parking yards at key locations along the project’s corridor. Engagements with host communities are ongoing to secure suitable land for these facilities, ensuring smooth implementation and community participation. The government has also set a strict project delivery timeline of not more than 12 months from the date of award, with firm provisions to prevent cost variations. This is aimed at ensuring efficiency, accountability, and value for money. Commending stakeholders involved in the project, the Honourable Minister noted that the ongoing infrastructure revolution under the current Renewed Hope Administration is unprecedented with a visible impact across all regions of the country. He emphasised that the government is not only focused on constructing roads but on delivering world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to continue exploring innovative solutions, fostering investment, and ensuring that infrastructure development directly benefits communities nationwide. The Managing Director of NLNG, Engr. Adeleye Falade, in the company of some officials presented a model of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ship to the Minister, symbolising NLNG’s commitment to innovation and the promotion of cleaner energy solutions in Nigeria’s transportation and maritime sectors. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of mutual interest and collaboration in advancing sustainable infrastructure development. ...

Apr

2026

FG ASSURES ECOWAS, AfDB OF COMMITMENT TO THE REALIZATION OF THE 1,028KM LAGOS–ABIDJAN CORRIDOR PROJECT — Flags design issues, to develop a model aligned with the peculiarities of Nigerian roads The Federal Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the actualization of the 1028km Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, a major regional highway expected to transform trade and connectivity across West Africa. This assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON during a high-level meeting in his office, Mabushi, Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with delegations from the ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank. The team visited Nigeria in his capacity as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the project and the country’s representative at the ministerial level, to brief him on progress and resolve outstanding technical and financing issues. The project is connecting Cote D’Ivoire from Abidjan, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria from Lagos. Speaking at the meeting, Umahi conveyed the backing of the president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR stressing that infrastructure development remains central to the administration’s agenda. “I bring greetings from His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, who is fully committed to infrastructural development in Nigeria,” the minister said. He explained that the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, spanning about 1,028 kilometres, is being developed to match the scale and ambition of Nigeria’s ongoing Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. According to him, the project will feature reinforced concrete pavement, three lanes on each carriageway, and modern road design standards aimed at long-term durability. Umahi used the opportunity to highlight the scale of ongoing road investments across Nigeria, linking them directly to the regional corridor vision. He noted that major sections of the Sokoto–Badagry route are already under construction, with significant financial commitments. “At the end of the corridor, which will connect with the Lagos–Abidjan route at Badagry, we have the Badagry section, one hundred and sixty-two kilometers, already awarded and ongoing,” he said. “We are also going to the Federal Executive Council for the Uyo section, one hundred and eighty kilometers, for award this week.” He emphasized that the Lagos–Abidjan project is not isolated but part of a broader network of interconnected highways, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and several legacy routes cutting across all six geopolitical zones. “This project will drive trade across West Africa and the African coast,” Umahi stated, adding that the coastal highway alone covers 750 kilometres, with multiple sections already completed, ongoing, or nearing commissioning. Providing further updates, he said: “Section one, forty-seven point four seven kilometers in Lagos, is completed and will be commissioned in May. Section two, fifty-five kilometers, will reach the Ogun boundary and is expected to be completed by December.” He added that construction is also advancing steadily in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, with additional sections heading to the Federal Executive Council for approval. Beyond the coastal route, the minister outlined a third legacy corridor linking Lagos to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, as well as a fourth corridor extending from Abuja through the North-Central and North-East regions. “These projects represent a major transformation not just for Nigeria but for the wider West African region,” he said. Umahi also pointed to ongoing work on critical national highways such as the Abuja–Kano road, parts of which are expected to be completed within the year, alongside projects like Sokoto–Zamfara–Kaduna–Katsina, Enugu–Onitsha, and the East–West Road. According to him, the Tinubu administration is deliberately prioritizing durability by adopting reinforced concrete technology for many of the roads. “President Bola Tinubu is delivering durable infrastructure designed to last over one hundred years,” he said. “His approach to economic reform, including subsidy removal and currency adjustments is long-term national planning, even if not fully understood by the public.” On the Lagos–Abidjan corridor itself, the minister explained that there are unresolved issues. He raised concerns about design and unequal distribution of the corridor length among participating countries. “On the engineering side, I will be direct. There are unresolved issues on the Lagos–Abidjan corridor,” Umahi stated. “The distribution of corridor length across countries is unequal and can only be resolved at the level of heads of state.” He disclosed that Nigeria’s section of the corridor is approximately 79.5 kilometres but will be executed to a higher standard than originally proposed. “I am executing mine with reinforced concrete and three lanes, not the two-lane ECOWAS design. I have also rejected aspects of the ECOWAS design due to lack of consultation and impractical elements,” he said. Umahi added that Nigeria is currently developing its own design framework, expected to be completed within two weeks, taking into account existing infrastructure and real-world conditions along the route. “We are developing our own design… It will account for existing infrastructure, obstacles along the corridor, and practical implementation realities,” he explained. He stressed that decisions on funding models must be taken at the highest political level before the project can proceed to procurement and full financing. “Once the design is finalized and approved by member states, the funding model must be agreed by heads of state… Until that is resolved, moving into procurement and financing is premature. That is my position,” he said. Despite these challenges, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the project. “We remain committed to this project because it will connect Nigeria’s infrastructure to neighboring countries and deliver mutual benefits,” he said, announcing plans to host ECOWAS and technical teams for further engagement. Earlier, the ECOWAS Director of Transport, Chris Appiah, explained that the mission was part of ongoing consultations with member states. “Honorable Minister… we have had several engagements with your project focal team and your technical consultants on the Nigeria section of the highway,” he said. “We have gone through the designs, taken comments, and provided responses.” He noted that similar consultations had been held with Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, while engagement with Benin is scheduled to follow its recent elections. “We are here today to report to you as the Chair of the Steering Committee… and to take any final issues on the technical side,” Appiah added. On financing, the African Development Bank delegation, led by Salawou Mike Moukaila, described the project as a top priority for the bank. “As you tasked the bank to mobilize financing for the corridor, we have taken this very seriously,” Moukaila said. “Our senior management, including the president of the bank, has made this project a priority because it will enhance regional integration.” He explained that the bank is currently undertaking an “identification mission” across 25 countries to design a financing framework and kick-start an initial phase of the project. “There is strong interest from co-financiers within and outside Africa,” he noted. “They want to see the bank take the lead in financing and mobilizing its instruments.” Moukaila added that the initiative aligns with the strategic priorities of the bank’s leadership, particularly in promoting infrastructure, trade, and regional integration. He also emphasized Nigeria’s central role in the success of the corridor. “The Nigerian section is strategically important because a significant portion of trade originates from Nigeria along this corridor,” he said. In closing, the AfDB delegation commended the Nigerian government for its infrastructure drive. “On behalf of the bank, we commend President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for championing infrastructure development in Nigeria, which is critical for regional connectivity across West, Central, and East Africa,” Moukaila said. He described the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor as “a game changer” and invited the minister to share Nigeria’s experience at the upcoming Africa Transport Forum in Abidjan. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2023

A Big Thank You to Brekete Family for the Words of Encouragement and Constructive Criticism to the Renewed Hope Administration of the Innovative President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

The truth is that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR means well for Nigeria. He is on a Divine mission to reinvent a nation of the dream of the founding fathers, where all Nigerians will be proud to be associated with.

The new innovations on road infrastructure introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works under Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON is among the numerous innovations initiated by Mr President to change the ugly narrative of our developmental history. This was what Mr President did when he presided over Lagos as the 1st democratically elected Governor of Lagos State in the history of the 4th Republic. He made Lagos to be truly Africa’s Centre of Excellence. He broadened the economic prospects of Lagos State and since then Lagos has continued to prosper and to dominate as the largest commercial hub in Africa. Now Mr President is presiding over the most populous country in Africa, you all will see a positive change that will beat the estimation of leaders of African continent. He has the will, the experience, the exposure and the ingenuity to achieve excellence in Nigeria's social- economic history.

The cream of resolute Hon. Ministers and the innovative policies of the Federal Government under our dear President, especially the idea of looking inwards and thinking out of the box will do a lot in mitigating the forex challenges, reduce capital flight, discourage corruption, create jobs and wealth for the teeming population, enhance export potentials, boost industrialization, reduce insecurity, increase our Gross Domestic Product, promote local content and prosper our nation.

This is the aspiration of Mr President. Concrete road initiative which was the original brainchild of our dear President when he presided over Lagos State will do a lot to change our narrative as we can be sure the new road policy is more enduring than the old system of asphalting which often fail and cause monumental pains to road users.

This is why the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Works finds it progressively expedient to say a big thank you to the Brekete Family for supporting the road infrastructure initiative of our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

SPEECHES

Jan

2023

Religious And Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria - The Rev. Euba Example, Being the Text of The First Reverend William Benjamin Euba Memorial Lecture 110th Founders Day Celebration

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you all for the honour of inviting me to speak at this year's Founders Day celebration of the Eko Boys High School and in particular for inaugurating this Memorial lecture in honour of the visionary Reverend William Benjamin Euba now of very blessed memory, who founded this school.

I know that in 1955 when the Premier of the Western Region inaugurated the free primary education program across the western region, the prevailing condition was one of mass illiteracy.

While many of our people are now literate in numeracy and letters, and they can now operate a telephone, this literacy that we have come to take for granted, was unthinkable on any scale in the western region in 1955. Large numbers of people simply could not put meaning to numbers and letters talk less of reading or writing.

One of the permanent businesses of that time, was that of a professional letter writer. Yes, in case you did not know or you have forgotten that was a business that once thrived in Nigeria and which happily by the vision and execution of Awolowo, is now history, because the monopoly of knowledge by a few has been democratised by the leadership provided by one man and his team.

But my intervention is not about Obafemi Awolowo but rather about William Euba.

But it is important to put matters in context by emphasising how difficult things were in 1955 when Awolowo intervened, which is just 68 years ago.

You can therefore imagine perhaps how much more difficult the Euba era was, back in January 1913 when he opened the doors of Eko Boys High School to the public to get Educated.

That was 110 years ago today and approximately 42 years before free education started; and interestingly, both events occurred in January.

On a lighter note, and for those who have recently been involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, I do not intend such a debate between Euba and Awolowo.

Rather, I seek to celebrate the farsightedness of their vision about the importance of education and knowledge to nation building, peaceful coexistence and information management for rational choices.

This school, founded by Reverend Euba, and the many more that have come after it have in my view been the glue that has bound our people together in more ways than we have either acknowledged or appreciated.

This is the background to my discussion of the topic of this lecture: Religious and Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria - The Reverend Euba Example.

The example of Rev. Euba remains iconic because he set up a school that opened its doors to people from all walks of life, in our diverse country.

The importance of this educational tolerance to peaceful coexistence is easy to miss, if we do not understand how strong identities are, and how even more strongly people cling to their tribal, ethnic, and religious identities.

For those who want to delve into the matter of identity more deeply, I recommend, “IDENTITY: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment” by Francis Fukuyama.

But for the purpose of today, it is simply important to stress how strongly those identities magnify our suspicions about one another, inflame myths about others in our minds and expand fault lines that overshadows the common bonds of humanity that we all share.

It is the very early work and initiative of men like Reverend Euba and other missionaries of the time to open access to formal education for African and Nigerian children on a non-discriminatory basis that has helped in no small way to bridge those gaps that are being widened by manipulation of our ethnic and religious diversity.

As I have had cause to argue on occasion, if our creator has demonstrated the capacity to create diversity, certainly nothing could have prevented him from making us all the same other than his infinite wisdom that our diversity would better enrich us and make our planet a more exciting place.

Regrettably this is what a few people (and I insist that they are few) choose to weaponize and deny us of the richness and excitement that the creator intended for us.

Clearly, Reverend Euba saw through their chicanery many years before it matured. He chose education as his weapon to put those few people in their place.

A place of irrelevance and ignominy, supplanted by the training of a large army of young people who have the understanding of both religions, who accept the minor differences between them and who decide to embrace the fundamentals of a common good and a common humanity.

Those young people, by virtue of the opportunity they got to attend the same school, sit in the same classrooms, eat together and participate in sporting activities together have learned that we are not different from one another even if we speak different languages.

Afterall, as Bishop Desmond Tutu of blessed memory argues in his book "God is not a Christian," that the languages we speak and the faith we profess are not divine; on the contrary they are products of where we were born and to whom we were born.

Those accidental circumstances should not define our essence. They should not be points of discord or discontent. Rather they should serve as sources of strength and richness which in fact they are.

It is to the eternal credit of Reverend William Benjamin Euba and others like him that they saw these sources of strength and richness and exposed young men and women to them through education.

This has turned a generation of young men and women into a large army of adults who have overcome religious and ethnic differences to contribute to national good and development.

Permit me to illustrate this phenomenon, by telling you a story that is only one example of many uncountable stories, which keeps the very few peddlers of division in check in our country.

On the 16th day of December 2022, I was invited to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School premises to open an e-learning centre at the school premises in Bariga area of Lagos.

The centre had 300 computers, high speed broadband internet, fully equipped IT lab, for students and many other facilities for librarians and teachers. It was not built by the Anglican mission nor was it built by a Christian.

It was built by a Muslim, Senator Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa, a two-term senator and now the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority.

It was built in part because he was an old boy of that school. The Anglican mission did not shut him out about 50 years ago when he sought admission there, on the grounds that he was a Muslim.

On the contrary, they opened their doors to him, and interestingly while still a student, the school gave him a special permission to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca as his parents wished and he returned to complete his education.

As I said, at the occasion, what is a Bareehu doing amongst Anglicans? Only the farsighted vision of missionaries and men like Reverend Euba could have found a place of comfort for a Bareehu amongst Anglicans, and for me a Raji in Eko Boys High School. Yes, I passed through this school for one year.

Ladies and gentlemen, Reverend Euba’s place in Nigeria’s quest for peaceful coexistence is legendary. We cannot thank him enough. May his kind, generous and visionary soul continue to rest in peace and may his example continue to inspire our nation.