Federal Ministry of Works

Sep

2026

LATEST PRESS

FG EMBARKS ON DECISIVE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA EXPRESSWAY

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has kick-started the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin–Asaba Highway under the Ministry’s “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe, smooth, and uninterrupted movement along the critical corridor. The intervention, to be carried out by the Ministry, through the hiring of equipment and direct implementation, is a demonstration of its determination to address the severe deterioration of sections of the road and bring immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses, and the affected communities. He made this known during the inauguration of *"Operation Rescue Benin -Asaba Expressway”* at Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, 24 September, 2026. The Benin–Asaba Highway is a strategic Federal Highway that commences at AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminates at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, with a distance of 125km. It was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration but the handing over of the site was performed by the present one in March, 2025. However, it has since been proven that the Concessionaire lacks the technical and financial capabilities to execute the project. This was established by the *Independent Engineer (I.E.)* for the project, *Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited*.* Considering the plight of road users and the continued deterioration of the concessioned road, the I.E. advised the Ministry to urgently take all necessary steps to save it from further deterioration, avert further gridlock, assuage the suffering of motorists, as well as save the Federal Government from embarrassment.

Engr. Umahi has personally been monitoring the implementation of the concession project, through several site visits and issued instructions via the I.E. for the *Concessionaire* to stick to the Ministry’s standards and methodology, which were not complied with leading to the worsening of the road condition. Hence, the Ministry’s intervention to save the critically failed sections of the Expressway, through the deployment of equipment and personnel.

The Federal Ministry of Works, according to the Minister, is poised to alleviate the hardship being experienced by road users and communities on the corridor, alike. He reiterated that the Federal Government would not allow the condition of a major national artery to continue to undermine economic activities, the movement of people, goods, and services, as well as the safety of road users and the host communities. He stressed that the emergency intervention is focused on achieving immediate traffic relief, while providing a sustainable engineering solution to the identified problem spots.

According to him, the intervention is also being driven by the overriding need to protect public interest and ensure that Nigerians using the road are not left to bear the consequences of the deteriorating infrastructure occasioned by the lapses of the *Concessionaire.* The Minister emphasised that *” this is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users.”* He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country and ensuring that emergencies receive prompt and decisive attention.

*“Operation Rescue”* is about immediate action, restoration of movement, and protection of the travelling public and communities along the corridor. *“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,”* the Minister asserted.

Engr. Umahi called on road users and people along the corridor to cooperate with the Ministry’s officials and traffic-management personnel, as emergency works commence, assuring them that the Ministry would continue to monitor progress and take all necessary measures to minimise hardship during the period of the intervention. “*I am pleading with motorists to exercise patience, observe traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones,* he stated.

Engr. Umahi highly commended President Tinubu's concern over the well-being of citizens, reiterating that *”the Ministry remains committed to restoring the Benin–Asaba Expressway to a safe, functional and durable condition in the overall interest of Nigerians and the national economy."*

Before this, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his people during the protest in August, 2026 caused by the bad state of the road by immediately identifying with the situation and dispatching his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and reassure the affected communities and motorists of immediate remedial action. Speaking at the Ceremony, His Excellency appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his prompt and decisive intervention, as well as the Minister of Works for his continued commitment to the provision of road infrastructure across the country.

The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, expressed much gratitude for the immediate response in restoring the all-important road. *”It is a well-desired action to better the lives of the people of Delta State and the general public,* he added.

The *representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),* applauded the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. He also commended the Honourable Minister for his steadfastness to the welfare of the people of the zone and Nigerians, at large.

Delivering the Welcome Address earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as very timely in reinstating the critical transportation corridor connecting communities, facilitating mobility, commerce and trade between Edo and Delta States with the other parts of the country. Therefore,*its importance cannot be overstated,”* she noted.

The occasion was graced by lots of dignitaries and Goodwill Messages were delivered by the Deputy Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Youth Leader of Ikpaba Hill Community, and other stakeholders, who unanimously eulogised the Federal Government’s proactive response.

Jun

2026

TINUBU’S FOUR LEGACY PROJECTS WILL LINK ALL SIX GEOPOLITICAL ZONES SAYS UMAHI AS ECOWAS BANK MOVES TO APPROVE FUND FOR CALABAR-ABUJA SUPER HIGHWAY The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's four legacy road projects as a transformative national infrastructure network that will connect all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, unlock economic opportunities, boost food security, and accelerate regional integration. Umahi stated this on Monday, June 8, 2026, while receiving a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by Maimouna Sidibe, Head of the Basic Infrastructure Division, Department of Public Sector Corporations, at his office in Abuja. The EBID team is currently undertaking appraisal activities ahead of the approval of financing for Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, one of President Tinubu's landmark legacy projects. Welcoming the delegation, the Minister explained that the President's four legacy road projects were deliberately designed to function as an interconnected national transport network. "Let me say that the entire four Legacy Projects of Mr. President are interconnected in a loop," Umahi said. He explained that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seamlessly links with the Trans-Sahara Super Highway through Ndibe Beach in Cross River State. According to him, Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway spans 123.64 kilometres and runs from Ndibe Beach to the Benue border, while additional sections through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States have already been awarded. The Minister noted that the historic route has existed since colonial times, serving as a major corridor for trade and agricultural activities. "It has long existed and remains a major food corridor. It is critical to food sufficiency in our country," he stated. Highlighting the economic significance of the project, Umahi said the highway would connect major agricultural belts across the country, including Ebonyi, Benue and Cross River States, while significantly reducing travel time between Calabar and Abuja. "This route will shorten travel time from Calabar to Abuja to about four hours. It is therefore a very important corridor," he said. Beyond transportation, the Minister revealed plans to harness existing dams along the corridor for irrigation and renewable energy generation, creating new opportunities for industrialization, investment and job creation. "There are many benefits to this project. Beyond tolling and corridor development for investment returns, it will generate numerous jobs, both direct and indirect. There will be factories along the corridor, power projects, and significant traffic volumes on the road," he added. Umahi further explained how the Trans-Sahara Super Highway connects to the fourth Legacy Project through the Abuja-Akwanga Road corridor, extending through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu and Maiduguri. He noted that the recently flagged-off Gombe-Biu section covers 125 kilometres and is being constructed as a six-lane highway, while procurement activities are ongoing for the Bauchi-Gombe section. He also outlined plans to link the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway through a new route beginning at Victoria Island, traversing a 3.5-kilometre tunnel, Ogogoro Island and Snake Island before connecting to Badagry. "When you look at all of this on a map, you see a loop. All the geopolitical zones are included," Umahi said. "If you start from Sokoto, you can access all six geopolitical zones within two days. It is a remarkable development." Commending the contractor handling Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, Infioues, the Minister disclosed that work has already exceeded 20 percent completion. "My concern is that we need to fast-track the loan component because once they reach 30 percent completion, payments will become necessary," he said. He described the visit of the EBID delegation as timely and praised the bank for its commitment to supporting the strategic project. "That is why your visit is very timely, and we commend you highly. I also appreciate the meeting we had earlier. It was very fruitful, and I believe we are aligned in terms of enthusiasm and speed of execution." Earlier, leader of the EBID mission, Maimouna Sidibe, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting the project, describing it as a priority infrastructure investment. "We are very honored to contribute to the financing of this very important project, which have been submitted last week to our first credit committee." Sidibe disclosed that the project had already received positive consideration from the bank's first credit committee and had advanced to the appraisal stage. "The members find this project very important and encourage the department to come to finalize the instruction of the projects." She explained that the delegation's visit included consultations with key government agencies as well as site inspections to assess project implementation, environmental compliance and social safeguards. According to her, the project is expected to proceed to the bank's second credit committee next week before being presented to the Board of Executive Directors in early July for final approval. Sidibe commended the Federal Government's commitment to the project, noting that counterpart funding obligations had already been substantially fulfilled. "I have to say that the project is of a very top priority for the administration, and that's why the administration have paid 30 percent of the counterpart money." She also praised the quality of work already delivered on the project and expressed confidence in the durability of the road infrastructure. "The members of the credit committees said that this technology is very, very good and already experienced on Lagos-Calabar, and the road duration will be at least for 50 years." The delegation included Mathieu Anno, Head of the Environment and Sustainability Unit at EBID; Onimisi Aliyu, Financial Analyst at EBID; Blaghe Dougah, Head of ESG Department at Sky Capital Europe; and Sheka Humphrey of Influence International, the project contractor. ...

Jun

2026

NORTH-CENTRAL ROAD PROJECTS UNDER SPOTLIGHT AS WORKS MINISTER SUSTAINS ROUTINE INSPECTION OF PROJECTS The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the Reconstruction and Expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road. He made the remarks while inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in the FCT and Nasarawa State. The contractor on the Mararaba–Keffi (Keffi Bound) Road project is China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd. During the inspection of projects within the corridor, the Minister also commended another contractor, Messrs JRB Construction Company, for the standard of work being delivered in the Full Emergency Rehabilitation of the Mararaba–Keffi (Abuja-Bound) Road. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed before the scheduled 1st March, 2028 deadline, with ancillary components, including the installation of solar-powered street lighting. “This is highly commendable. The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion,” the Minister urged the Contractor. Engr. Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the era of abandoned and substandard infrastructure projects that have impeded national development over time. He stressed the need for contractors to adhere strictly to approved specifications, contractual obligations, and the Ministry’s directives, while maintaining open communication with the Ministry on operational challenges. “If you encounter any difficulty, inform us immediately. The Federal Government remains committed to meeting its obligations, including timely payments. However, quality must never be compromised,” he asserted. The Minister further directed the contractor to prioritise the completion of all outstanding sections of the road before commencing additional asphalt works. He noted that several projects across the country had suffered setbacks due to unfinished stretches and emphasised that the Ministry’s priority is the delivery of durable, safe, and fully serviced infrastructure that will serve Nigerians for decades. The Minister also inspected the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, Section II, being handled by Messrs Infiouest International Ltd. He noted that completion of outstanding works is scheduled for 12th November, 2026. Also speaking during the tour of duty, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, alongside the Member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Sa’idu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the renewed momentum in infrastructure development across the nation. They described the ongoing road projects as strategic investments capable of stimulating economic growth, improving connectivity, facilitating trade and commerce, and enhancing national integration. They pledged their continued support and oversight of the projects. Also speaking is the Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Mohammed Usman highlighted the level of commitment demonstrated in the execution of the ongoing projects. He commended the Minister for his hands-on leadership and consistent supervision, as well as the contractors for maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress on the projects. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustained investments in critical infrastructure, agricultural empowerment programmes, and other people-centred initiatives designed to promote economic prosperity and ease of movement. In his briefing, the Managing Director of JRB Construction Company, Mr. Jamilu Ogunbola, disclosed that the company’s participation in the Abuja–Keffi Road project demonstrates the growing capacity of indigenous construction firms to successfully execute complex infrastructure projects, in line with global standards and best practices. The inspection tour further highlights the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure the timely completion and delivery of critical road projects across the country in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. The Ministry remains committed to sustaining the current pace of infrastructure development as a catalyst for transformation, national cohesion, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians. ...

Jun

2026

DON’T POLITICIZE SECURITY, IT WILL BE DEFEATED UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU, SAYS UMAHI AS FG FLAGS OFF GOMBE–BIU DUALIZATION The Federal Government on Thursday, June 4, 2026 officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, expressing confidence that Nigeria's security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe State, Umahi described the project as another demonstration of President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development and national unity, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the transformation of the state. "I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria," Umahi said. "Just a few hours ago, you took us around, but what we saw, we are honestly very, very proud of what you have achieved in this state. We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you, and we thank you because you’re a true Nigerian." Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe-Biu section following requests from the state government and assured residents that construction activities would begin almost immediately. "We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway." According to him, the Gombe-Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri. He explained that the section was awarded to construction giant HITECH after a rigorous procurement process. "There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it." The Minister also addressed the nation's security challenges, expressing confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained government action. “Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching, and God is going to pay back. “If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person. "So we stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace." He noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated leadership in stabilizing key sectors of the economy and would also succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country. "The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize the boat in so many directions." "The macroeconomy is stabilized, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty." The Minister described President Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects that had remained unrealized for decades. "I was shocked when the Governor traced back the history of this project, how past governments attempted it, but it remained a dot in a circle." "But the man that God has sent to solve the impossibilities, and that’s why I’m confident that this security issue will be solved by him." He cited the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Maiduguri Corridor as examples of long-conceived projects now being actualized under President Tinubu's administration. "The Sokoto-Badagry project was dreamt about fifty years ago by the Shagari administration. Who actualized it? President Bola Tinubu." "The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was dreamt by himself about twenty-eight years ago. Who is actualizing it? President Bola Tinubu." "This one also goes back decades. Who is bringing it to fruition? The same President Bola Tinubu." Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, in his remarks, described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for making it a reality. "The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history," the Governor said. He noted that the project aligns with the state's livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative and would serve as a major catalyst for economic growth. "The livestock and agricultural zone will connect directly to the Super Highway, linking economic activities to critical infrastructure and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment." Governor Yahaya assured the Federal Government, contractors and stakeholders of the state's full support throughout the execution of the project. "On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, I assure you that the security of your personnel, equipment, and machinery is guaranteed throughout the duration of the project." Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to the highest international standards. "We will execute this project to the highest international standards, as I have previously assured Your Excellencies. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery." He also pledged to create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people. "We are also committed to creating employment opportunities and empowering as many people as possible from the host communities, particularly the youth." Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development and called on Nigerians to support the administration. "We know we'll be coming here often considering the so many federal projects here. And I want to appeal to all of you to support Mr. President. He's doing very wonderfully for the nation." "Forget about induced insecurity that people are trying to bring to destabilize the country, but God will not allow it to work." Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the partnership between the Executive and Legislature in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country. He commended HITECH Construction Company for its quality of work, timely delivery of projects and positive relationship with host communities, describing the company as a strong partner in Nigeria's development. "As legislators, we oversee appropriations and project funding. From what we have seen on the ground, the company has delivered work that shows commitment and value." The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate, The Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works and all stakeholders involved in the project. He also pledged the full support of his people toward the successful execution of the highway. A significant portion of the road within Gombe State passes through the Yamaltu Emirate, and the monarch assured contractors of a peaceful and conducive environment throughout the construction period. Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony included Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Ede Dafinone; Senator Anthony Yaro; Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye; Hon. Ajilosoro; Hon. Inuwa Garba; Hon. Alex; SSA-President Community Development (North East); SSA to President Community Development (SouthEast), Barr. Chioma Nweze, traditional rulers; government officials; representatives of HITECH Construction Company; and other stakeholders from across the country. ...

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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.