By Stella Odueme
Thousands of residents of Uburu and other communities in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have staged a colourful reception for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressing appreciation for his contributions to national development and endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The reception was held, when residents spontaneously gathered to welcome Umahi following his engagements with stakeholders in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, on Tuesday, the gathering provided an opportunity for the people to celebrate their son, a former governor of Ebonyi State, and commend his appointment as Minister of Works by President Tinubu.
The residents described Umahi’s appointment as a demonstration of the President’s confidence in his leadership and experience, particularly in the area of infrastructure development.
Stakeholders who spoke at the event included Onu Okorie, Prince Mathew and Comrade Kingsley Obini, who separately praised the minister’s service and called for sustained attention to infrastructure development in the South-East.
They specifically commended the Federal Government’s efforts towards improving roads and bridges in the region, noting that good road networks were essential to economic growth, trade and transportation.
The residents also expressed optimism that Umahi’s position in the Federal Executive Council would further strengthen the South-East’s participation in national development.
They pledged their support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027, saying the administration’s infrastructure investments and the opportunity given to Umahi to serve at the national level informed their decision.
The reception followed the minister’s engagements with political and community stakeholders in Abakaliki on issues relating to the development of Ebonyi State and the country.