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" in recognition of what he called the minister's outstanding performance in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria's road infrastructure.
Yilwatda made the remark on Thursday 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 also conferred with the traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council.
Conferring the title on the minister, the Chairman of the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council and Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit, said the honour was in recognition of Umahi's commitment to infrastructure development and his role in facilitating the rehabilitation of the road under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
The monarch said the minister had become a trusted friend of the Ngas people and formally welcomed him into the Ngas nation and the council of traditional title holders.
"You come to Ngasland not as a stranger, but as an honoured ally. In appreciation of this landmark project, I am honoured to confer on you the prestigious traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas)," the royal father declared.
He added that Umahi had become a son of the Ngas nation alongside the APC National Chairman, who hails from the area.
Responding, Umahi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for the honour, describing it as unexpected and deeply appreciated.
The minister also commended Yilwatda, describing him as an energetic and divinely inspired leader capable of mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"I thank you for the honour done to me. Your son, now my brother, is very energetic and divine, the man that will deliver Mr. President in 2027," Umahi said.
Speaking at the event, Yilwatda praised the minister's performance, saying his stewardship of the Ministry of Works had brought unprecedented infrastructure development across the country.
"My brother, my friend, the workaholic minister, the man who has made the difference in infrastructure transformation in Nigeria, you are constructing thousands of roads across the country. It has never happened before. You have done what is incredible. You are the signature boy of Mr. President," he said.
The APC chairman also noted that Umahi had justified the confidence President Tinubu reposed in him through his achievements as the first Minister of Works from the South-East under the present administration.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, also lauded Umahi, describing him as one of the brightest-performing ministers in the Tinubu administration.
According to the governor, the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road project would stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity and create greater opportunities for residents of the area.
"This road we are flagging off today is not just a road; it is an opening of opportunities. It will enhance networking and serve as a transit route to greater possibilities," Mutfwang said.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and reaffirmed Plateau State's support for the President's re-election bid in 2027.
Also speaking, former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, commended the Federal Government for introducing concrete pavement technology on major federal highways.
Lalong described Umahi as "Mr. Magic," saying the minister had won admiration across the country for the ongoing transformation of the nation's road infrastructure.
He also referenced the recent flag-off of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, describing it as a landmark project that would improve connectivity across several states and local government areas.
The rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road forms part of the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to expand and modernise critical road infrastructure across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
