The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has described the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as President Bola Tinubu's "signature boy," praising his performance in driving the administration's infrastructure agenda across the country.
Yilwatda made the remarks during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, where Umahi was conferred with the traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council.
The Minister's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze in a statement on Friday, said the honour was bestowed on the minister by the Chairman of the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council and Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit, in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development and his role in facilitating the road project under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
While presenting the title, the monarch described Umahi as a trusted ally of the Ngas people and formally welcomed him into the Ngas nation.
"You come to Ngasland not as a stranger, but as an honoured ally. In deep appreciation of this assignment and in recognition of your role in flagging off this landmark project within my Chiefdom, I am honoured to confer on you the prestigious Traditional Title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas)," the royal father declared.
He added: "You are welcome to Ngas Land. It's our honour that you have become an Ngas son. You are now the same as our son, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. He will teach you the language."
Responding to the honour, Umahi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, describing the recognition as unexpected and deeply appreciated.
He also commended APC National Chairman Yilwatda, describing him as an energetic and divinely inspired leader capable of mobilising support for President Tinubu's re-election.
"I thank you for the honour done to me. I want to tell you that your son, now my brother, is very energetic and divine, the man that will deliver Mr. President come 2027. Thank you again," Umahi said.
Speaking at the event, Yilwatda praised Umahi's stewardship of the Ministry of Works, saying the minister had transformed Nigeria's infrastructure landscape through the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads.
"My brother, my friend, the workaholic Minister, the man that has made the difference, the clear difference in terms of infrastructure transformation in Nigeria, you are constructing thousands of roads across Nigeria. It has never happened before. You have done what is incredible. You are the signature boy of Mr. President," he said.
The APC chairman further commended President Tinubu for appointing Umahi as the first Minister of Works from the South-East, saying the appointment had proven to be a wise decision.
"We are proud of you and we remain very proud of you. Coming from the South-East, the first Minister of Works from the South-East appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and you have demonstrated that bringing you was never a mistake. Thank you for the great work you are doing on behalf of Mr. President," he added.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Umahi as one of the standout performers in the Tinubu administration.
"The starboy of the administration nationally, our own elder brother and friend, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, we want to welcome the workaholic Minister," the governor said.
Mutfwang said the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road would significantly boost economic activities and improve connectivity across communities in the area.
"This road we are flagging off today is not just a road; it's an opening of opportunities. It's an opportunity for networking, a transit route to greater possibilities," he said.
The governor also thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and reaffirmed Plateau State's support for the President's second-term bid.
"For us in Plateau State, it's Tinubu or nothing," Mutfwang declared.
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong, also lauded the Tinubu administration for introducing concrete pavement technology on major federal highways.
He described Umahi as "Mr. Magic," saying the transformation in Nigeria's road infrastructure under his leadership had earned widespread admiration.
"Honourable Minister, Mr. President has introduced something novel in Nigeria. Everybody would say that you are Mr. Magic. Yes, indeed, you are Mr. Magic. Many people don't know concrete roads. Today, concrete road is what we are going to see on this road," Lalong said.
The former governor also recalled the flag-off of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway a day earlier, describing it as a landmark project that would improve connectivity across several states.
"Yesterday, we flagged off the one we have been praying for, the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri, connecting so many local governments and states. We have one thing to tell Mr. President: we are going to renew our mandate. In Plateau State, our own is further endorsement," Lalong stated.
The rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road forms part of the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with officials saying the project is expected to enhance transportation, stimulate economic growth and improve access for communities across Plateau State.