Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, says Engr. David Umahi, minister of works, is the winner of the 2025 best-performing minister of the year award.
In a press release dated December 19, and signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, and Chinenyeze Ohia, national spokesman, Ohanaeze said the recognition was based on Umahi’s “exemplary dedication to the principles of public service.”
The group also commended Umahi for the timely delivery of road projects, and consistent field supervision of ongoing works across the country.
Ohanaeze said Umahi’s performance was also reflected in community engagements across the six geopolitical zones through town hall meetings and public enlightenment campaigns.
Ohanaeze thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing an Igbo son as minister of works, describing the decision as historic and impactful.
The organisation said the appointment had led to “remarkable and positive transformations” across the six geopolitical zones and renewed public confidence in the Tinubu administration.
“The year 2025 has also witnessed an unprecedented level of transparency in governance.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, demonstrated unwavering commitment to accountability by inviting the nation’s foremost anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to conduct rigorous audits of the financial transactions and actual performances of all contracted entities.
“This pivotal action has facilitated prompt payment of outstanding financial obligations, ushering in an era of enhanced accountability and judicial enforcement of all contractual agreements between the Federal Government and both foreign and domestic contractors,” the group stated.
Ohanaeze said all five south-east governors, Igbo ministers and the entire south-east region were united in their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The group said the south-east would support Tinubu to serve two full terms in office until 2031.
Ohanaeze also commended Tinubu and Umahi for the temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway on December 12, 2025.
The organisation said the temporary opening provided major relief to Lagos commuters and other road users during the festive season by easing traffic congestion.
Ohanaeze said the federal government demonstrated unprecedented transparency in 2025 by inviting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to audit projects and financial transactions in the ministry of works.
The group said the audits led to prompt payments to contractors and strengthened accountability in government contracts.
Ohanaeze urged the federal government to create opportunities for local contractors in 2026 to compete fairly with foreign firms.
The organisation thanked Tinubu for committing N1.5 trillion to road infrastructure projects in the south-east.
Ohanaeze said the region would remain steadfast in its support for the Tinubu administration until 2031.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.