Federal Ministry of Works

Aug

2026

LATEST PRESS

“THE WORST IS OVER; OUR GDP IS GROWING MORE THAN OUR POPULATION. THAT MEANS WE HAVE A FUTURE” - UMAHI TELLS NANS

— As Nigerian Students Induct Him as Grand Patron, Hail Him as “One of the Finest” in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cabinet

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has declared that Nigeria is now seeing stronger economic outlook under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is now growing faster than its population.

Umahi made the declaration on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, while speaking after he was formally inducted as Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The minister described the development as a positive indication of Nigeria’s economic prospects, saying, “I was enthused to find out that our GDP is growing more than our population. That means we have a future.”

The NANS leadership, led by its President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, had earlier commended Umahi for his contributions to national infrastructure and described him as “a worthy member of the Renewed Hope Cabinet and, indeed, as one of the finest public servants Nigeria has produced in the contemporary era.”

The students said the recognition was not merely ceremonial but a reflection of Umahi’s visible contribution to road infrastructure and national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to NANS, the roads and bridges being delivered under Umahi’s supervision are directly connected to the lives of Nigerian students, affecting their mobility, access to educational institutions, examinations, internships, businesses and employment opportunities.

The students specifically cited major projects including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Minna route, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as examples of projects they said demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to improving national connectivity.

Afeez also disclosed that NANS had studied project reports of the Federal Ministry of Works covering the period between May 2023 and May 2026 and expressed its intention to embark on nationwide project tours to inspect completed and rehabilitated projects.

He said the students would use their platforms to communicate the impact of the projects to millions of Nigerian students, Nigerians and the wider world.

Responding, Umahi challenged Nigerian students and young people to look beyond political sentiments and examine the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration objectively.

“We have had somebody say, ‘President Tinubu is tired.’ How do you know he is tired? I am part of President Tinubu. The Minister of Interior, the FCT, all the ministers and all the SSAs are vibrant and working. So how do you just jump at that conclusion?”

The minister urged Nigerians to demand concrete alternatives from those criticising the administration.

“If you say that the President is not doing well, what is your alternative?” he asked, stressing that political promises must be backed by clear plans and a credible mission.

He also called on students and other young Nigerians to take a position on issues affecting the country, arguing that remaining neutral in the face of visible progress was not always the right approach.

“You may say that you are not politicians or that you will not take sides, but this is the time to take sides in our national affairs. It is time to take a stand,” Umahi said.

On the economy, the minister acknowledged that the macroeconomy was only beginning to recover but urged Nigerians to consider the condition of the economy before the present administration took office and assess the reforms objectively.

“You may say that the macroeconomy is just beginning to recover. What was it like before the President took over? Everybody agrees that the macroeconomy is being fixed. It is up to you to dissect the ongoing reforms and take a position.”

Umahi also pointed to developments in the education sector, saying the stability being witnessed under the Tinubu administration had created an environment in which students were able to continue their studies without the disruption of nationwide strikes.

“For the first time, students never went on strike. Never. Look at the stability of Nigeria. That has never happened throughout the history of this country.”

“Where is the subsidy money?” Umahi explains

Addressing questions surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy and where the resulting resources were being deployed, Umahi pointed to the scale of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.

He cited the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, which he said covers 375 kilometres and, when measured as a dual carriageway, amounts to 750 kilometres.

According to the minister, more than ₦200 billion has already been spent on the project, with 480 kilometres of the dual carriageway completed and further sections nearing completion.

“For the first time, we have been able to complete 118 kilometres of concrete pavement within 30 months. That has never happened,” he said.

The Minister said the remaining works were expected to be completed by November, noting that the two projects on the route have a combined cost of ₦752 billion, with more than 80 percent already paid.

He also highlighted the Sokoto-Zamfara-Zaria corridor, the Benue-Ninth Mile road, and the Bodo - Bonny Island road as examples of projects receiving significant attention under the Tinubu administration.

On the Bonny Island project, he said:

“For the first time, people will move from the island to the mainland in Bonny Island, where the LNG is produced. A project costing ₦280 billion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been completed. The 39.7-kilometre road is fully done, and the people of Bonny are very happy. They are no longer dying at sea. They are now driving through the land.”

The minister also spoke extensively about the administration’s legacy road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the expanded Northeast Fourth Legacy Project.

He disclosed that the Northeast project, originally running from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu, had been extended through Yobe to Maiduguri, adding another 400 kilometres to the project.

Umahi defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against criticisms, saying the project was strategically important to the Niger Delta and would be completed.

“I do not know why people are attacking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. After all, this is coming from the Niger Delta, where the oil is coming from. Why is nobody attacking the other three Legacy Projects, but this one is being attacked? That is unfair and unrealistic. That project will be completed. In fact, over 50 percent of the entire stretch is already under construction.”

The minister also used the occasion to speak about the development of the Southeast, saying President Tinubu had deliberately embarked on projects aimed at integrating the region into the national infrastructure network.

“The Southeast, for the first time, is being remembered, and I thank the people in the Southeast because sometimes I say, ‘Listen, our people should not be sentimental.’”

He said the administration’s approach to the region was intentional and urged the people of the Southeast to work with other parts of the country.

“The President has a good intention to integrate the people of the Southeast, and I have to be very honest with you. If I were not a minister from the Southeast, we would not have been able to get the projects we have secured. It is intentional on the part of Mr. President. Go and right the wrongs of the Southeast.”

Umahi cited the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway among the major projects transforming connectivity in the region.

He also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the re-scoping and reconstruction of the Lokoja-Benin-Warri corridor, covering a total of 401 kilometres.

The minister was particularly direct in urging the students to support President Tinubu in the 2027 election, arguing that Nigerians should support the administration if they believe its policies are producing results.

“I want you to take a side. If you say you are on the list of a coalition and you say that what we are doing is good, then we have to take a stand to vote for the President in the coming election.”
“Let him finish. Let him take back our country. Let him reposition our country.”

Umahi also urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and focus on practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

“Listening to others should not mean allowing yourselves to be insulted or blackmailed. Cheap talk will not solve our problems. Nobody is saying what he or she can do differently. The worst is over. The darkest part of the night is an hour before dawn.”

He pointed to the decline in food prices as one of the developments Nigerians should consider in assessing the economy, recalling that a 50-kilogramme bag of rice, which he said had risen above ₦80,000 and at some point reached ₦100,000, was now selling at about ₦58,000.

Umahi also stressed the administration’s commitment to transparency in the execution of road projects, saying the Ministry of Works had opened its projects to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.

“Now, why are we doing this? Transparency. We have turned these projects over to the ICPC. They have gone round. We are ready for constructive criticism, and where necessary, we will make amends.”

He added that the Ministry had also written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to inspect its projects. “We have nothing to hide in this administration.”

The minister urged NANS to organise a major student engagement across the geopolitical zones where students could ask questions directly and hear the government’s explanations on its policies and projects.

“Let me defend this administration. Organise it and let me come. Move students from across the zone to a central point where we can talk to them and address their concerns. We have to deliberate on the issues. We have to debate them. Ask your questions, and we will answer them.”

He said he would attend such engagements with some ministers and Senior Special Assistants to the President, stressing that students were important stakeholders in the country’s future.

Umahi further challenged young Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting public infrastructure and contributing positively to national development. “See something, say something. Together, we can take back our country because it belongs to us.”

He said the responsibility for the performance of government should be placed on the officials directly responsible for specific sectors, rather than on the President for every operational issue.

“I am here because the President gave me the responsibility to be in charge of roads and bridges. If I do not do it, I should be the one to be blamed, not the President. I am not the President. The President has divided himself into a number of his appointees. These appointees should be the ones to answer and take responsibility.”

The minister concluded by thanking the students for the recognition and expressing his readiness to deepen collaboration with NANS.

“I want to thank you very much.“

He described the students as important partners in the national development process and encouraged them to remain informed, ask questions and hold leaders accountable.

The NANS President, in his address, said the association considered Umahi worthy of its patronage because of his record of public service, infrastructure delivery and commitment to national development.

He said the roads being constructed under Umahi’s leadership would outlive the present administration and continue to serve generations of Nigerians.

“History will not remember public officers merely because they occupied important offices. History will remember them for what they built, what they changed and the lives they touched.”

Afeez formally welcomed Umahi into the NANS family as Patron, describing the partnership between the student body and the Federal Ministry of Works as an opportunity to bring government projects closer to young Nigerians and deepen informed national discourse.

Apr

2026

FG REAFFIRMS STRONG COMMITMENT TO KOGI ROADS AS UMAHI, DEEDAT PUSH FOR ACCELERATED INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY, SECURITY INTEGRATION ACROSS KEY CORRIDORS A high-level engagement between the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Kogi State, Hon. Salam Ozige Deedat, have reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to the sustained development of critical road infrastructure across the state. At the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner expressed appreciation for the ongoing federal interventions on major road corridors, particularly the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene axis and other adjoining routes, noting that successive administrations have contributed to these projects, but observing that recent efforts under the current Renewed Hope Administration have demonstrated greater visibility and impact. He further commended the Minister for his prompt visit to Kogi State upon assumption of office, describing it as a clear demonstration of his connection and commitment to the state despite it not being his place of origin. In addition, he acknowledged the consistent presence of federal teams and contractors on sites, while also pointing out that although progress on key corridors such as the Abuja–Lokoja and Lokoja–Okene are evident, delays in some sections and flyover construction have created traffic challenges that require urgent attention. Moreover, he highlighted other strategic routes, including Okene–Ajaokuta, Takete–Mopa–Isanlu–Egbe towards Kwara State, as well as the Lokoja–Okene corridor, stressing that they all demand accelerated intervention, especially given Kogi State’s strategic proximity to the Federal Capital Territory. In response, the Honourable Minister explained that the major challenge confronting infrastructure delivery nationwide remains funding, even as the Federal Government continues to intensify efforts to address infrastructure deficits across all regions. He emphasised that the current administration is undertaking unprecedented road construction and rehabilitation works, noting that if past administrations had achieved similar levels of development, the present infrastructure pressure across the country would have been significantly reduced. He also reiterated that all parts of the country are demanding attention, adding that ongoing works are being systematically reviewed and restructured to ensure proper delivery and accountability. Specifically addressing the Abuja–Lokoja corridor, the Minister stated that the road, which was previously in a deplorable condition, is now undergoing extensive reconstruction, with several contractors handling different sections. He explained that a 48-kilometre stretch formerly handled by Bulletine Construction is being restructured under concrete pavement due to funding and durability considerations, while an 86-kilometre section previously executed by Gitto has also been re-awarded and reorganised for renewed construction works. Similarly, he disclosed that additional sections, including a 56-kilometre stretch, are being rescoped from asphalt to concrete pavement after contractors voluntarily agreed to adopt a more durable construction method within the available cost framework. Furthermore, he noted that about 50 kilometres remain, which have now been divided between contractors such as JRB and Trucrete to accelerate completion. In the same vein, he explained that other contractors, including CGC, CCECC, BUA, and CBC, are actively working on various segments of the corridor, with several portions already completed or ongoing under concrete pavement technology. He stressed that this transition to concrete construction is deliberate, as it ensures long-term durability and reduces maintenance costs, unlike previous asphalt methods that deteriorate quickly due to water penetration and inadequate shoulder protection. While addressing concerns raised about national security, the Minister acknowledged the strong relationship between infrastructure and security, noting that poor road networks often exacerbate insecurity. Consequently, he revealed that the Ministry is considering integrating solar-powered lighting and CCTV surveillance systems along critical highways such as Abuja–Lokoja Expressway to enhance monitoring, safety, and response capabilities. He further assured that similar interventions will be extended to other strategic corridors to improve security and protect road users. Additionally, he provided updates on several ongoing and planned national projects, including the Trans-Saharan Highway, which forms part of the President’s Legacy Road Infrastructure initiative and passes through Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States before terminating at Apo in the FCT. He also referenced the Makurdi–9th Mile corridor, the Kabba–Ado Ekiti road project, and other interventions under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Programme, noting that several of these projects are captured within the 2024–2026 budget cycle, with funding already allocated but awaiting full mobilisation or contractor deployment in some cases. Moreover, he urged stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, encouraging sub-national governments to complement federal efforts by undertaking basic interventions such as stone-base construction and maintenance works, where necessary. He also advocated for the adoption of more durable road construction methods, particularly concrete pavement and reinforced mesh technology, which have proven effective in states where they have been implemented. ...

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. ...

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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.