By Francis Ajuonuma
The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that Senator Umahi was voted above other Igbo public office holders and leaders based on his sterling performance in President Bola Tinubu’s current federal government.
According to him, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo considered their contributions in areas of infrastructure development, enhancement of South-East roads and public works, and job creation.
Others include initiatives aimed at mitigating unemployment among Igbo youths, insecurity solutions, concrete contributions to addressing the security challenges faced by the region, democratic inclusiveness: engagement with the Federal Government to secure South-Eastern interests and political actions that have visibly affected the welfare of South-East residents.
Isuguzoro said, “In our thorough and independent assessment of public office holders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous evaluation model. This new set of ‘Igbo performance perimeters and indexes’ provided a transparent and quantifiable means to hold public officials accountable. It enabled us to meticulously examine the contributions of Igbo governors, ministers, national leaders, and local government chairmen across key areas.
“Our comprehensive report proudly announces Senator Dave Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year. His accomplishments as Minister of Works have been nothing short of extraordinary. From revitalizing dilapidated federal roads to creating innovative job opportunities via ground-breaking cement technology.
“Umahi has delivered tangible benefits to the people. Notably, his effective strategies in fostering development have addressed longstanding security concerns on major highways, helping to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the region.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also acknowledged the tremendous performance of governors in the South East states.
“Additionally, we commend governors Peter Mbah and Francis Nwifuru of Enugu and Ebonyi states, who exhibited exemplary governance by allowing their elected local chairmen full access to the benefits stemming from local government autonomy, thereby promoting transparency and accountability. Their practices are a beacon of governance excellence amid a troubling national landscape,” he added.
The apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, also expressed its unequivocal admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving the South East geopolitical zone a sense of belonging.
“President Tinubu administration’s impactful recognition of the South-Eastern region marks a landmark shift not witnessed in 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. His commitment to massive infrastructure development throughout the Southeast, largely orchestrated by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, positions the region for a decidedly more prosperous and hopeful future,” he noted.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary-General elucidates that the organization is committed to a unified governance framework to ensure all Igbo leaders use their public positions to serve the interests of the Igbos and Nigerians.
