“Umahi taking South East away from past practices” – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has praised the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for steering the South East away from decades of infrastructural neglect through aggressive federal road interventions.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Ohanaeze described the recent federal approvals as a corrective phase in Nigeria’s post-civil war development history.

The group specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving major projects during the Federal Executive Council meeting of June 30, 2026, including the 21-kilometre Abakaliki–Afikpo Road at ₦116 billion and the reconstruction of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road with a flyover interchange valued at ₦86 billion.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these strategic and transformative interventions,” the statement said.

The organization noted that the South East has suffered structural neglect in federal infrastructure for over five dec ades since the Nigeria-Biafra War, making the current wave of road reconstruction a long-overdue redress.

The group highlighted the adoption of modern engineering approaches, particularly cement-stabilized road construction designed for greater durability, as a clear departure from past practices that often resulted in rapid deterioration of federal roads.

Ohanaeze also acknowledged Umahi’s stewardship for fast project execution and improving coordination, describing his role as central to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s road network.

It stressed that Igbo collective interest remains anchored on tangible infrastructural delivery, economic integration, and equitable federal presence rather than partisan considerations.

“Infrastructural progress must be acknowledged without distortion, and developmental gains must not be subordinated to electoral ambition or political rivalry,” the statement affirmed.

Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders to maintain focus on project execution, continuity, and national integration, warning against narratives that could undermine public confidence in the ongoing reforms.

The group reiterated its support for visible infrastructural transformation under the current administration as a pathway to economic repositioning and post-conflict redemption in the South East.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​