SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RECENT ISSUES SURROUNDING MRS TRACY OHIRI’S MATTER The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly. First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably. At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her. For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims. It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point. Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established. The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above.  It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond. The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted. The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development. We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. ...

EID MUBARAK TO OUR MUSLIM FAITHFULS  I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. The lessons of Ramadan call us to live in peace with one another, uphold justice, and extend kindness to all, especially the less privileged. As we celebrate, I urge all Nigerians to continue to embrace unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, which remain essential to our collective progress as a nation. Let us also use this period to pray for the peace, stability, and sustained development of our dear country. On our part at the Federal Ministry of Works, we remain committed to delivering critical infrastructure that connects our people, strengthens economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians. May Almighty Allah accept good prayers and acts of charity, and bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and good health. Eid Mubarak. Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE  Honourable Minister of Work   ...

UMAHI CELEBRATES FEPSGA 2025 VICTORY, DEDICATES TROPHY, GOLD MEDAL TO PRESIDENT TINUBU The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has dedicated the Federal Ministry of Works’ victory at the 2025 Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) held in Yola, Adamawa State to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The trophy and gold medal were formally presented to the Minister by the Ministry’s Sports Club during a surprise ceremony held on Wednesday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja. The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Directors, Union leaders, and other members of staff. While receiving the coveted trophy and medal, Engr. Umahi expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty and commended the Ministry’s sportsmen and women for their outstanding performance, which earned the Ministry recognition amongst other participating Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including a gold medal in the March Pass category. “I congratulate our sportsmen and women who have made us proud. I dedicate this trophy and medal to Mr. President, in appreciation of his unprecedented support to the Federal Ministry of Works and his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development across the country,” the Minister declared. Engr. Umahi also appreciated the dedication of staff and assured them that their welfare remains a top priority under his watch. He reiterated that no staff member would experience neglect, pledging continued support in training, staff welfare, and improved workplace conditions. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, described the formal presentation as a token of appreciation for the Minister’s consistent encouragement and support for both official responsibilities and extracurricular activities, particularly sports development. He thanked him, on behalf of Management and staff, for his contribution to building capabilities and talent management, as well as enhancing the value proposition of workers, which he noted are the first and last pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP). The Director of Human Resources Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, commended the Minister’s leadership style, noting that staff competencies have significantly improved under his leadership. He highlighted expanded training opportunities across various professional fields and emphasised the Minister’s commitment to enhancing staff welfare beyond the traditional festive packages provided under the revised Public Service Rules (PSRs). Similarly, the Union Chairman, Engr. Kuti William Omobolanle, applauded the Minister for his impactful administrative style, staff welfare initiatives, and commitment to capability building. He cited recent approvals for staff training programmes, support, and other welfare interventions as clear evidence of a people-centred administration. Presenting the trophy on behalf of the Sports Club, Assistant Sports Manager, Temitayo Florence Omotosho, stated that the Ministry clinched first position in March Pass at the 2025 FEPSGA competition. She attributed the achievement to the Minister’s financial, moral, and administrative support. Responding, the Minister urged staff to rededicate themselves to public service with renewed commitment to transparency, professionalism, courage, and the fear of God. He announced plans to intensify training programmes across all cadres beginning in April as part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and service excellence. He further disclosed that the Ministry will, in due course, organise a nationwide gathering of its workforce to celebrate its collective achievements, as well as appreciate the President’s steadfast support for the works sector.   ...