By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council during the official flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The traditional 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Presenting the title, the royal father described Umahi as a trusted friend of the Ngas people, saying the Minister had demonstrated genuine commitment to the development of the area.
“You come to Ngasland not as a stranger, but as an honoured ally. In appreciation of your role in flagging off this landmark project, I confer on you the prestigious traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) and welcome you into our Council of Traditional Title Holders,” the monarch declared.
He further welcomed the Minister as “an Ngas son,” adding that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, would help teach him the Ngas language.
Responding, Senator Umahi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for what he described as an unexpected honour. He also praised the APC National Chairman, describing him as an energetic and divinely inspired leader.
“I thank you for this honour. Your son, now my brother, is very energetic and divine—the man that will deliver Mr. President in 2027. Thank you once again,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, hailed Umahi’s performance as Minister of Works, describing him as a workaholic whose leadership has transformed Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
He said the Minister was overseeing the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads across the country, describing him as “the signature boy of Mr. President.”
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, also commended Umahi, calling him one of the administration’s top-performing ministers.
Describing the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road as a catalyst for economic growth, the governor said the project would improve connectivity, boost commerce, and create new opportunities for communities across the area.
“This road is more than a highway; it is an opening of opportunities, a transit route to greater possibilities,” Mutfwang said.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project and reaffirmed Plateau State’s support for the President’s second-term bid, declaring: “For us in Plateau State, it’s Tinubu or nothing.”
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, also applauded President Tinubu for introducing concrete pavement technology on major federal highways and praised Umahi for driving what he described as an infrastructure revolution.
Nicknaming the Minister “Mr. Magic,” Lalong said the visible transformation in Nigeria’s road network had earned him national recognition.
He also recalled the flag-off of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway a day earlier, describing it as another landmark project that would strengthen regional connectivity and economic development across several states.
The rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road is expected to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance access for communities in Kanke Local Government Area and neighbouring parts of Plateau State.
