Federal Ministry of Works

Jun

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI SHOWCASES FEDERAL PROJECTS IN EBONYI, SAYS SOUTHEAST IS GRATEFUL TO TINUBU AS EBONYI SET TO DEMONSTRATE ITS APPRECIATION TO THE PRESIDENT ON MONDAY

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 led a Federal Government delegation headed by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on an inspection of ongoing federal road projects across Ebonyi State, using the occasion to highlight what he described as the unprecedented infrastructure transformation taking place under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during the inspection, Umahi showcased several strategic federal projects across the state and the Southeast, explaining that the region remains deeply grateful to President Tinubu for the tangible evidence of inclusion, fairness and development.

At the Calabar - Abuja project sites, the Minister explained the strategic importance of a major flyover under construction along the Trans-Sahara Super Highway corridor.

“Let me say that this is the point where the Trans-Sahara Route takes a bend. The essence of this flyover is to resolve the conflict at this point,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government has already made provision in the 2026 budget to connect the corridor directly to the Ebonyi State capital.

“The road going to the capital city, which is 18km from this point, is included in the 2026 budget, and the Federal Government will undertake the connection to the city centre.”

Umahi stressed that despite funding challenges, work would continue uninterrupted across project sites.

“Of course, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. All contractors being owed will be paid. There should be no stoppage of work because we want to see if we can commission this project by December. The cost is ₦25 billion.”

The Minister described the projects as only a glimpse of what President Tinubu is delivering in the Southeast.

“This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East. When we talk about the gains of the South-East under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some people who do not understand what we are talking about will continue to criticize us.”

He declared that the people of the Southeast have taken notice of the President’s interventions and are prepared to openly express their appreciation.

“The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation when we adopt the President as our sole candidate and, of course, the Governor.”

Umahi was emphatic about the region’s political direction.

“Let it be known that Ebonyi State is not obedient because we want to catch up with the rest of the country, and we will never be obedient. What happened before was an accident of history. It will not repeat itself.”

The Minister also provided updates on the flagship Trans-Sahara Super Highway, revealing that a ₦668 billion contract has already been awarded and construction is progressing steadily despite the rainy season.

“The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.”

Tracing the history of the corridor, Umahi said the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealized for decades.

“We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.”

He described the highway as a critical economic route that will connect Nigeria to neighbouring countries while unlocking agricultural and industrial opportunities across the country.

“The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.”

Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the President’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration are far more than roads.

“As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.”

Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he explained that infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth.

“Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.”

He further pointed to visible projects already completed or nearing completion across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including major bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project.

“We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.”

Reaffirming the Southeast’s support for President Tinubu, Umahi said the region now sees clear evidence of inclusion in federal infrastructure investments.

“The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.”

The Minister also noted that having a Minister of Works from the Southeast has helped ensure the region’s needs receive the attention they deserve.

“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.”

He added:

“We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.”

Providing updates on President Tinubu’s four signature legacy projects, Umahi highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Corridor and other strategic national routes.

According to him, the administration’s infrastructure programme is designed to create jobs, support agriculture, expand regional trade, attract industries and unlock new economic opportunities nationwide.

“The four legacy projects are investments designed to transform the Nigerian economy.”

He explained that plans along the corridors include dams, irrigation systems, power infrastructure, agricultural settlements, housing developments, factories, hotels and renewable energy facilities.

“The benefits are extensive and include both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

The Minister ended with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead.”

Addressing contractors handling federal projects in the state, Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quality and durability.

“The moment you do not execute the work properly, it will be obvious. If you do it well, it will reward you. The method is the same, the principle is the same, and the quality is the same. We are using Grade 40 concrete.”

He revealed that the 51-kilometre Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road project, valued at ₦53 billion, is nearing completion, with one section already over 90 percent completed and another at about 60 percent completion.

The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government has included the extension of the road to Akam in the 2026 budget, where the newly approved South-East Army Depot is located.

He added that additional contractors are already working along the Enugu axis and that a new flyover has also been planned at Okposi to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity in the area.

Mar

2026

UMAHI HONOURED AS INFRASTRUCTURE ICON: BACKED BY VERIFIED RESULTS AND NATIONAL IMPACT The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Wednesday received the 2025 Personality of the Year Award (Infrastructure Transformation Champion) from Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper. A recognition which the organisers say followed months of independent scrutiny, investigations, and verification of projects under the Ministry of Works. Accepting the award with his full team, including the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Ministry, Umahi said. “I am here with my team, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and all the Directors. I am deeply touched by this award,” According to him, what struck him most was not the accolade itself, but the process behind it. “What makes this recognition particularly important to me is the process behind it. I understand that you undertook a thorough review of the Ministry’s operations. What stands out is that this was done independently, without my knowledge, and I have only just become aware of it. That, to me, is very moving.” In a country where public trust is often tested, the Minister seized the moment to make a bold claim, that every project under his watch can withstand scrutiny. “I want to assure you that what drives us in the Ministry is the fear of God. On every project, the Permanent Secretary, the relevant Directors, and the contractors are all involved, and everything is done transparently. If questioned on any detail, including the cost components of a project, we can clearly account for it. There is nothing we do that we cannot defend.” That confidence, he revealed, is not mere words. The Minister explained that the Ministry formally invited anti-corruption agencies to scrutinise its work, not just on paper, but on the ground. “Let me tell you something, we wrote to ICPC to go around and investigate all our projects, not on papers, but to go around and investigate the physical accomplishments of what the President is doing. We also wrote to EFCC. Now, ICPC has concluded their own, and we have given them a space here to check our procurement process. They have started their work.” At the heart of Umahi’s reforms is a strategic shift, the transition from asphalt to concrete roads. A decision he described as a battle but succesful. “The transition from asphalt to predominantly concrete roads was not without challenges. It was a battle we fought, but we are not afraid of challenges, especially when we are guided by God and committed to serving the people above all else.” He argued that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial resistance. “Most of the roads we are now constructing are concrete, designed to last up to a hundred years with minimal or no maintenance. This is a long-term investment in the country’s future.” Beyond engineering, the Minister painted a human picture of infrastructure, describing roads not just as projects, but as lifelines. “We understand the impact of poor road infrastructure. When a road is cut off, it effectively traps people and limits movement, almost like a form of confinement. This is what the President is determined to change, and significant progress has been made.” “We are not seeking attention or accolades; our focus is on delivering results that improve the lives of Nigerians.” He also delivered a message to the media, calling for responsibility in an age of rapid information. “I also encourage those in the media and public space to be responsible. Verify your facts before amplifying any information. Freedom of expression is important, but we are all accountable for what we say and do. Ultimately, what one sows is what one reaps.” Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper, Bassey Williams, described Umahi as a standout figure in public service after what he called a rigorous and independent selection process. “After months of rigorous evaluation and peer consultation, the award committee of Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper unanimously selected Engineer David Nwaeze Umahi as Personality of the Year 2025 in the category of Infrastructure Transformation Icon.” He noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Works has witnessed a surge in execution capacity, strategic planning, and nationwide impact. Williams went further, addressing past allegations against the Minister, revealing that extensive investigations yielded no evidence of corruption. “It is on record that Engineer David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, is among the most scrutinised public officials in Nigeria by the Al Jazeera Media Group. In 2024, extensive investigations were conducted into allegations of corrupt practices, deploying high-level investigative resources both within Nigeria and internationally. However, no evidence of wrongdoing was established. From the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to critical corridors across the North and South, the CEO said the scale and consistency of delivery have repositioned infrastructure as a central pillar of national development. ...

Mar

2026

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. ...

Mar

2026

UMAHI MOURNS HRH EZE FRANCIS IGWE, DESCRIBES HIS DEATH AS SHOCKING The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, the revered traditional ruler and father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe. HRH Eze Francis Igwe reportedly died in captivity after being abducted a few days ago, an incident that has sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State and beyond. Reacting to the sad development, Senator Umahi described the news as shocking and heartbreaking. “This is shocking, very sad and still feels like a dream. It is painful to imagine that such a respected elder and traditional ruler could meet such a tragic end,”. Senator Umahi noted that the late monarch was widely respected for his wisdom, calm disposition, and dedication to the peace and development of his community. He said the death of the traditional ruler is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also to the traditional institution and the entire Ebonyi State. The Minister particularly expressed deep sympathy to Barr. Kelechi Igwe, who served as his Deputy Governor during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, noting that the loss of a father under such painful circumstances is difficult to bear. “I deeply feel the pain of my brother and former Deputy Governor, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, and the entire Igwe family at this moment. Losing a father is always painful, but the nature of this tragedy makes it even more heartbreaking. My prayers and thoughts are with the family,” he said. While commending security agencies for the swift arrest of those allegedly involved in the dastardly act, Senator Umahi expressed hope that justice will be fully served to bring some measure of closure to the grieving family and deter such crimes in society. He prayed for God to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest and give the family, his community, and all who mourn him the strength to bear the painful loss. “May God console the family and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the soul of HRH Eze Francis Igwe rest in perfect peace,” the Minister added. Francis Nwaze, FIPMD Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) March 6, 2026 ...

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Nov

2025

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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.