Umahi @ 58: Celebration of an Icon, Unblemished Democrat and Architect of the Modern Ebonyi State

Preamble

As Nigerians and the entire world gather together and in unison to celebrate an icon and one of the major and critical new faces of the politics of our dear country Nigeria, His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi (FNATE, FNSE) the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum on this auspicious day of his 58th birthday, Thursday, 22nd July, 2021; it gives me a lot of joy to express myself on this new leader of our time.

Notwithstanding, I must confess that writing on this man who in his wisdom piloted the linking of the entire South East to the mainstream politics at the national level on any issue maybe a herculean task, but it’s always a delight as his multi-faceted and enigmatic personality comes to play. An Astute and charismatic politician, a seasoned administrator with an amiable personality, a phenomenal reformist whose cult-followership stature among god-fearing people puts him as a leader to be admired, watched and associated with.

Governor Umahi is widely accepted by all the sections of Ebonyi State and Ndi Igbo as a symbol of unity, visionary, egalitarian and most importantly a patriot whose love for our our nation and her people is infectious. In addition, he has earned a reputation as a charismatic and disciplined leader, creative and hard-working, a broad-minded fellow with strategic insight. He brings integrity, compassion, pro-poor perspective and intellectual dimension to bear in tackling tough national issues. His loyalty to friendship and bridge-building skills is remarkable. He is respected as one of the most result-oriented, meticulous, consistent, trustworthy and god-fearing political leaders in Nigeria today. In all the public offices he has held, he has brought innovation to bear and made remarkable impact that has endeared him to compatriots. He is a role model and mentor to several Nigerians, who look up to him for inspiration.

The leadership quality of this resolute revolutionary and visionary democrat is reflected in the words of many outstanding great leaders, such as: Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian General and military theorist, who stated: “If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them, in spite of all obstacles.” One-time President of the USA, George W. Bush: “Leadership, to me, means duty, honour and country. It means character, and it means listening from time to time.”

The fact remains that, “a leader is not worth anything if he or she does not represent the values of love, unity, peace and justice for his people which are the hallmarks of the politics of Governor Umahi”

The Making of an Exceptional Leader:

Ebonyi State before the Coming of Umahi and His Impact

For one to understand the style of governance exhibited by this Governor of our time one needs to review the state of Ebonyi before his emergence as the Governor

Ebonyi State in the eyes of the world before the emergence of Engr. David Nweze Umahi as the Governor of Ebonyi State was a State infested and known for the menace of the deadly Guinea-worms and water borne diseases with a Local Government Secretariat as its Government House with few countable streets but since the coming of Governor Umahi all these negative thoughts about Ebonyi State has become things of the past, “those who have visited Ebonyi State before the coming of this Infrastructural Bulldozer cannot know the State if they visit the State now as the changes in the State is even more visible to the blind. Apart from the construction of an International Airport to boast the economy of the State and region, It is on record that Governor Umahi is the first Governor from Ebonyi State to embark upon construction of over fifteen gigantic flyovers in the State with ten completed while five are in the process of completion. To make the State a truly modern State, Governor Umahi has started the construction of the first Olympiad size Stadium and the Ebonyi Ring Road linking almost all eight Local Government Headquarters of the State coupled with the construction of one of the best Government Houses in Nigeria completed and ready for commissioning.

All these efforts by Gov. UMAHI is to upgrade the state to a city, not just a city but to put the state on top when beautiful, secured and economically viable states are ranked.

The Ecumenical Centre initiated and completed by Umahi’s administration stands out as one of the best places of worship in the entire West African countries. One of the best International Markets and motor park in the entire Nigeria are completed coupled with the electrification of all the Local Government Headquarters of the State including major towns in the State. All the major roads to major towns and Local Government Headquarters are all being constructed. The Water-Scheme in the State is being developed to supply water to all areas of the State coupled with all other major developments that has placed the State as the most developing economy in Nigeria. All these feats to make Ebonyi State one of the most developed States in Nigeria, Dr. Umahi scored another first amongst all the Governors that have governed Ebonyi State to Head the South East Governors Forum.

Let me reiterate that if what makes a State modern are the provisions of quality and drinkable water scheme, good roads, electricity, quality infrastructural facilities then one can conclude without fear of contradiction that with all that Gov. Umahi has achieved within the span of six years, he is truly the catalyst and Creator of modern Ebonyi State.

Umahi’s zeal to transform Ebonyi was born out of the experience he gathered as both former Chairman of PDP in the state and Deputy Governor. His policy trust on industrialization was key, which he began with the construction of three industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones aimed at developing each sector. These include agriculture, technology and human empowerment. As an engineer, he engaged new technology in constructions with particular reference to roads where 8 inches concrete roads started springing up in the state. Parks, markets and streets started wearing new looks. Pedestrian crossing, flyovers, street lights, and water fountains were also built to change the face of Ebonyi, transforming it into one of the fastest growing economies in Nigeria. Empowerment for youths and widows has taken a new shape in the state, positively impacting the lives of many. Today, many youths who were mere street urchins have become employers of labour through the rich empowerment programmes of the Umahi administration.

The Making of 60 Ebonyians Millionaires

In line with the classical words of James Allen that "No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks" and the legendary assertion of Jacques Maritain that "Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy", I must commend the Governor for giving a thought to the lives of his people especially, in the critical areas of human capital development and poverty alleviation which has continued to earn him commendations from within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

In a press statement I issued in my capacity then as the Technical Assistant on Media to His Excellency some months ago, I described the implementation and fulfillment of the Governor's promise to raise 60 millionaires in the state as trailblazing and the reflection of a leader whose passion for service is result oriented.

With this groundbreaking record, I confessed that Umahi is stocked with the requisite capabilities and potential to build a Nigeria where citizens confidence in government can be restored within record time through the implementation of policies and programs that have direct bearing on the populace.

At a period of global economic downturn occasioned by the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic, where some state governments find it uneasy to implement key projects and pay salaries of civil servants, Governor Umahi defiled the odds in a bid to ensure that the good people of Ebonyi State feel the impacts of government, adding "that can only be the way of a responsible administration.

"pandemic or no pandemic, His Excellency has continued to implement legendary projects and execute welfare schemes targeted at lifting thousands of citizens from extreme poverty"

A good number of people may have taken as a mere joke the Governor's pledge to ensure that 60 Ebonyians across the State were lifted from the dunghill of poverty and be turned Millionaires. But true to his words, I can proudly boast with facts that 60 Ebonyians are brand new Millionaires courtesy of Governor Umahi.

This feat amongst many other revolutionary trends and records of his administration simply put Governor Umahi on a leadership pedestal different from the crop of leaders in the present day Nigeria.

Governor Umahi As An Exceptional Leader

Under hard economic challenge facing the entire world occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic, one can proudly say that Governor Umahi, aside embarking upon the construction of one of the best International Airports, 15 quality and well constructed Flyovers, 600km concrete pavements and concrete roads across the width and breath of Ebonyi State, biggest and best shopping mall in Africa and a place of worship for God that can take over 5,000 crowd; this man of the future and visionary leader empowered over 10,000 youths with between 250k and 1m. The historical appointment of over 1500 aides in the past, as means of empowerments, one of the highest by any State Government at this period.

Furthermore, Gov. Umahi was able to pay hospital bills for over 2000 patients and discharged them with rice, wrapper and N5000 cash during the Christmas season alone and gave Christmas gifts and palliatives to over 2000 old people across the state.

While many States battle to pay salaries, Governor Umahi not only ensures that Civil Servants are paid promptly, but in addition, paid extra 10k to every worker with 5kg bag of rice during Christmas. He also extended Christmas largesse to Ophanage homes, Churches, Mosques, NGOs, Professional groups etc across the State.

I can further postulate that what Governor Umahi has done in Ebonyi State has shown more than enough political will and administrative competence to fix the myriad of challenges troubling the country, adding that Umahi is the real Mr. Project of Nigeria."

With the approval by the NUC for the formal take off of the King David University of Medical Sciences this September designed as an ultra-modern 21st century state-of-the-art International Medical University, masterfully crafted for specialized manpower development in the most serene environment in virtually all branches of medical specialties and will hinge on the highest form of professionalism in the field of medicine and related fields while consistently aligning with the norms and guidelines of the Nigerian National Health Policy (NHP) and Strategy which is chiefly aimed at achieving quality health for Nigerians, Governor Umahi has succeeded to earn himself the title of the Governor of all times in the annals of Nigeria.

Governor Umahi And National Politics

In my capacity as the founder and President of David Umahi Nweze Akubaraoha Ebonyi Transformation Agenda (DUNAETA), a vibrant, virile grassroots NGO based in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, I can proudly highlighte that Dr. David Nweze Umahi, is a divine tool, adequately stocked with the requisite leadership traits to proffer workable solutions to the myriad of challenges currently facing Nigeria as he is imbibed with a divine inspiration, perception, mentality and most importantly, with the fear of God can enabled him drive the uncommon transformation sweeping across Ebonyi state.

The fact remains that if good governance and quality leadership with timely results are the yardsticks to elect leaders, then Nigerians should waste no time further in wooing this new revelation of a leader to prepare himself for a higher position in the leadership of this country come 2023.

I must confess that if Gov. Umahi could within less than six years turn Ebonyi State, hitherto known as dusty, most backward and epicenter of guinea worm into the most developed State in Nigeria with fifteen massive and most beautiful Flyovers to his credit unprecedented by any government in Nigeria coupled with the feat of constructing the most gigantic and beautiful Worship Centre in West Africa, then he is adequately fit to turn the fortunes of Nigeria for good.

Every of his infrastructural projects has a classical touch. The Ebonyi Shopping Mall stands as the best in any part of Africa. The Ebonyi International Airport is boasted to be among the best in the country. “A visit to the new Ebonyi Government House is a tour to the wonderland.”

Today, Ebonyi State stands out as one of the State in Nigeria with concrete roads linking all the Local Government Headquarters. While almost all the States are engulfed with one security challenge or the other, Lady Monica said Umahi-s pragamitic approach to leadership has ensured the security of lives and property of citizens, residents a and even visitors.

As the Technical Adviser to Governor Umahi on Media some months ago, I restated that if Nigerians are ready to changing the fortunes of this country to the dreams of the founding fathers, then Umahi is the man for the top job.

With all these feats, I can proudly state as Ada Ebonyi that if the access to power is based on the feats and capability of leaders to turn a seemingly dark age to a very bright future that Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi is now fully prepared for a higher position in the politics of Nigeria. I am glad to note that my view tallies with the prediction of an American, Dr Paul Owen from the city of California who squealed in delight after watching a video clip in my YouTube channel displaying the silent but very salient revolution that Dr. David Nweze Umahi is igniting in Ebonyi State and could not help but postulated thus: “Umahi deserves to be the President of Nigeria come 2023 but sadly most Nigerians are blind“. While I differ from Owen’s view about most Nigerians being blind as captured above, I must agree with his submission that Umahi is now well prepared to take Nigeria out of the woods and her present economic and political challenges.

These and many more underscores the basis on which one of the prominent sons of South East, Chief Arthur Eze once advised President Muhammad Buhari, ”to look no further than the Ebonyi State Governor for a Nigerian President of the Igbo extraction if, and when the time comes. Apostle Dave Nweze Umahi, the wisest Governor in Nigeria has come of age and it is time for Nigeria to move forward with him”. All these feats to make Ebonyi State one of the most developed States in Nigeria are the initiatives of Apostle Umahi, divinely inspired to lead the state on the path of progress and reposition her to that highly anticipated enviable height Gov. Umahi is a magician, an enigma, poster boy and Revelation of this dispensation and your visit to Ebonyi will convince you. Umahi’s Presidency becomes imperative particularly now that based on equity and spirit of fairness all Nigerians are of the view that the next President must come from the Igbo extraction.

Reactions on the Feats of Governor Umahi

Reacting to some of the great feats of Governor Umahi within this past five years, Lady Comfort Obi, the Publisher of the Source Magazine and a very powerful Pen Pusher in Nigeria highlighted in one of her treatises, “In fairness to Umahi, he has so far, done well as Ebonyi Governor. He has encouraged Agriculture, especially, in the area of rice production. Ebonyi rice ranks amongst the best in the country. I don’t know much about what he did in the area of yam production, but I proudly ask for Abakailiki yams from my yam customer. But where Umahi has definitely excelled most is in the provision of Physical Infrastructure, especially roads. Aside from Anambra State where Peter Obi excelled in the construction of roads, no other governor in the south-east compares to Umahi in that area. Gradually, Umahi has bequeathed Ebonyi with quality roads. Umahi has also excelled in the area of education, granting scholarships to hundreds of Ebonyians in relevant areas of study. Thanks to him, Abakailiki, which, as the state capital looked worse than a local government headquarters, has had a complete turn- around. It looks bam”

The Secrets behind the Outstanding Success of Gov Umahi in Ebonyi State

On the secret behind the success of Governor Umahi in Ebonyi State, Lady Monica quoted copiously the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji as revealing the Secret behind the Governor's towering performance in the State.

She highlighted that the versatile, energetic, enigmatic, seasoned and a model of what an Information Manager, Barr. Orji should be in a statement he recently issued titled; "The Secret Of Governor Umahi's Towering Performance Revealed." exposed the secret behind the Governor's feats in the state in the following words:

"People have wondered what could be the secret of the performance of the Governor of Ebonyi State His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) and why the State under him is towering in transformation despite the obvious low revenue base of the State.

The secret is simply that he is a man after the heart of God. Governor David Nweze Umahi believes in the eficasy of prayer. He glories in praise and worship and has God as his all and all.

The Governor does not joke with blessing the name of the Lord with praise and worship; giving God praise, honour and adoration.

As a Governor he organises Praise and Worship Nite, Nite of Bliss, Inter- denominational Praise Hour and Fasting and Prayer services on periodic basis to seek the presence of God in Ebonyi State. He preaches the word of God and sings at every public gathering

From the beginning of his Government,

Governor Umahi anchored the core values of his administration on God Almighty. See the extract below:

"In this Administration Everything I Do Must Reflect My Covenant With God which He Gave To Me by Himself, Namely:

1. To serve Ebonyi State with the Fear of God

2. To prosper Ebonyi state with the Word of God

3. To make Ebonyi State the number one economy in the whole country

4. To passionately help the widows and the oppressed

5. To build a befitting place of worship llike Solomon did so that any Ebonyian that is faced with any difficulty anywhere in the world and turns to the direction of the temple and calls upon the name of the Lord, God Will Answer Such Prayers".

Governor Umahi today has accomplished all the aspirations he has for Ebonyi State. Today we are seeing God's power upon him. Like King David of the Bible, Governor David Umahi has built for God a befitting place of worship, biggest and most beautiful in Africa, like the temple of Jerusalem built by the son of David, King Solomon

The glory of God is upon Engr. David Umahi. This is the result of the prophetic proclamation made upon the adminstration of Engr Umahi which reads thus:

1. I see a greater Ebonyi tomorrow because a child of God is on the throne.

God will change our lamentation to laughter.

2. The train has taken off and nobody can stop it because an unmolestable child of God, brought into office by God Himself is the engine driver

3. I see God fighting your battles, I see gossipers being disappointed,

I see hills beings removed, and humiliation turned into triumph.

4. You are the David of Ebonyi State. God will show you a stone for which to bring down Goliath and what others look for will begin to look for you.

5. God will turn your prayers into reality and every stone thrown at you will not locate you

6. Every hidden treasure in the land of Ebonyi State will be revealed to you and a state of art building will spring up in your time.

7. There is a high level of anointing of God placed on you and you will be too dangerous for the enemy to handle.

We give God all the glory for making our dear Governor an instrument of transformation and leadership role model to generations. At last something good can come from Nazareth."

Even as we give God all the glory for blessing us with such a wonderful gift in the person of Governor Umahi who has rebuilt Ebonyi State as the City of David, we pray he God also help us to achieve our aim by using his son (Umahi) to turn around the fortunes of this country and make it greater according to the vision of the founding fathers of our great country in Jesus name. Amen.

I and My Governor, How It Began

In my appreciation to His Excellency for finding me worthy to be a partner in his progressive and revolutionary government, I wrote thus when I and my colleagues as Aides to him were disbanded, "Today, I am writing from the innermost depth of my heart to express & appreciate my leader, His Excellency Chief Engr.David Nwaeze Umahi for the honour he bestowed upon me to serve under his administration from 2016-2021 as his Technical Assistant on Media, I will forever remain grateful for a lot of vital roles Governor Umahi has played in my life.

At age 24 when my mates where looking for jobs to sustain themselves & their families, I was appointed without any stress to serve as his TA on Media, At Age 26,I was one of the beneficiaries who got a Sienna Bus from Umahi's Government, through the same system, my parents and siblings became so proud of me as I was able to play my roles as the first child of my family & I got crowned with respect, the day my Dad sent me a message to say, “Monica my daughter, I am proud of you, you are my lucky charm”, that day I knew the impactful role that Gov Umahi has played in molding me in the art of Governance.

Through the same system, I became innovative, creative & more closer to my people through which various initiatives I created using my little resources to reach out to some of our Youths and some of our Aged parents in Ebonyi State, the truth remains that it never would have been possible to bring my visions & passion to impact lives without Gov. Umahi.

I have faced death thrice but through God's Mercies, faithfulness & love, I survived it all. I have seen people in the same hospital with me who faced death & gave up the ghost and in all my struggles & phases in life; Gov. Umahi has never relented to support me as a good leader should.

Your Excellency, Engr. David Nwaeze Umahi, I remain forever indebted & grateful for all you have done in my life, my family & the rest of all my colleagues who became bread winners of their various families, who started getting married & became husbands to their wives, who became reasonable and started playing their various roles in their homes, who became more focused & responsible, who started realising who they are and what they can do to be better than they were yesterday, & those who have felt the transformation since you empowered them through appointments. No matter what we received as salaries, it went a long way to solve our individual challenges and I must confess your Excellency, you are a father indeed & a true leader.

May the Almighty God continue to bless you,guide your steps, protect, honour & crown you with wisdom of great kings over every storm, & challenge that comes your way,no harm will befall thee & God who has used you to do extraordinary things in Ebonyi State that was so backward will continue to give you victory in all that you do.

Thank you, Thank you & Thank you, Your Excellency, Chief Engr. David Nwaeze Umahi.

I can never be ungrateful; neither will I forget my little beginnings,

You remain the best my eyes have seen.

Conclusion

With all these feats, I can happily and proudly state that Governor Umahi is the David of Ebonyi, the wisest Governor in Nigeria according to Governor Ikepazu of Abia State, this Zik Awardee for Leadership is due for a higher position in Nigeria as demonstrated his commitment to making EBONYI State one of the fastest-growing economies in Nigeria today.

Umahi’s feats in Ebonyi State has showcased him as the people’s leader as his remarkable feats within the past six years in areas of healthcare, education, security, agriculture, maintenance and dualization of Federal Roads particularly, the Abakaliki to Enugu and Abakaliki to Afikpo Express Roads, Construction of the biggest State Shopping Mall in Nigeria, prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and pension to pensioners, the infrastructural revolution, “Ebonyi is truly blessed with an enigma and innovative leader as her Governor that one can easily postulate that the modernization of Ebonyi State has been achieved in our lifetime through Apostle Dr. David Nweze Umahi.

Finally, I happily rejoice with His Excellency, family, the entire Ebonyians and Nigerians at large on this auspicious day of the birthday of the great leader of our time

Happy birthday my Uncle!

Happy Birthday my Leader!!

Happy birthday to the man with the golden Midas touch!!!

Happy birthday the future of our nation!!!!

My prayer for you is God to keep you alive and grant you better years ahead for better services to our nation and humanity at large.”

Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, Aka Ada Ebonyi, President DUNAETA & ex-TA on Media to Gov Umahi and can be reached through: [email protected] , [email protected]