PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ENGINEER DAVID UMAHI ON HIS BIRTHDAY   President Bola Tinubu heartily congratulates Engineer David Umahi, Minister of Works, on his birthday on July 25.   Before he was appointed Minister of Works, Engineer Umahi served as the Senator representing Ebonyi South District. He was also a two-term Governor of Ebonyi State from May 2015 to May 2023, during which the state recorded landmark infrastructural development.   Recognising the Minister's sustained efforts in delivering durable road infrastructure, President Tinubu commends Engineer Umahi for his passion, dedication to duty, and deep sense of patriotism.   The President urges the Minister to accelerate road construction, rehabilitation, and delivery, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objective of improving citizens’ quality of life and boosting economic activity.   “Engineer Umahi has been one of my outstanding, hardworking ministers—passionate about the job and delivering durable roads and bridges that will last for about a century.   “As a minister, he does not just sit in his office or rely on reports from subordinates; he is constantly on the road, personally monitoring construction work nationwide to ensure compliance with specifications and approvals,” President Tinubu notes.   President Tinubu celebrates with the minister and his family and wishes him good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve the nation.   ...

PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria. Represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, *Engr. David  Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE *, while declaring open the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, the President described the Assembly’s theme, *"Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,"* as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations. The President stated that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.  He stressed that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, noting that *” no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”* President Tinubu assured participants that his administration remains fully committed to completing the four (4) Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development. The Honourable Minister of Works commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety. He noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure. He, therefore, called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards. Engr. Umahi stressed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions. He urged Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice. The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment. He expressed confidence that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years. Presenting the *Keynote Address* on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the *Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan,* stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development. He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process The Chairman of the occasion, *Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,* represented by *Prof. Hassan Umaru* described the Assembly as timely and significant, noting that engineering excellence remains the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development. He observed that every infrastructure project must be executed according to approved standards and maintained throughout its lifespan. Drawing from the experience of the *Dangote Refinery* project, he explained that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were critical to its successful delivery. The Chairman called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks, while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners, in order to safeguard lives and property. In his *Welcome Address,* the *President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE,* outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices. He explained that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence. Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance. He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country. In his introductory remarks, *Prof. O. A. U. Uche* emphasised the importance of sustaining quality infrastructure development through continuous improvement in engineering practice. He described infrastructure development as a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, industry, and private sector stakeholders. In this vein, he,  therefore, called for stronger synergy in advancing engineering excellence and national development. The *Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani*, stated that science, technology, and engineering remain critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public safety. He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and engineering regulatory agencies. Representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the *Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang,* opined that engineering is one of the most respected professions globally and emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive, while sustaining public safety and economic development. The *National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe  Yilwatda*, commended COREN for its achievements in regulating engineering practice. He described engineers as the backbone of national development and praised the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi for the remarkable progress recorded on the four Legacy Road Projects and others across the six geopolitical zones. He congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to quality infrastructure and affirmed that Nigerian engineers continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both nationally and internationally. The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms  COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.   ...

Works Ministry Celebrates A Chequered Career, As Director Ogbuagu Retires   The Federal Ministry of Works, on Thursday, honoured the retirement of its Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Nigeria's road sector development and his distinguished service to the Federal Civil Service. The colourful retirement ceremony, attended by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, Directors and other staff, family members, friends, and well-wishers, was marked by glowing tributes celebrating Engr. Ogbuagu. He was described as a visionary leader, accomplished engineer, mentor, peacebuilder, and consummate professional, whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of public servants. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State congratulated Engr. Ogbuagu, on the successful completion of an illustrious public service career, described his retirement as a celebration of excellence, dedication, integrity, and impactful leadership. He commended the retired Director for his unwavering commitment to national development and his invaluable contributions to the growth of Nigeria's road infrastructure, praying that his retirement would usher in many more years of good health and prosperity. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary portrayed Engr. Ogbuagu as an exemplary Civil Servant, whose career reflects the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, humility, and integrity. According to him, the retiring Director navigated the challenges of public service with distinction, leaving behind an enviable legacy of excellence and selfless service. Mr. Adeladan urged serving officers to emulate Engr. Ogbuagu's dedication to duty, commitment to excellence, and professional conduct, stressing that true success in the Service lies not only in years of service but in retiring honourably with an unblemished record and lasting impact.   Delivering his farewell remarks, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting him a successful career spanning more than three decades in the Federal Civil Service. He also appreciated the Federal Government for the privilege of serving the nation and contributing to the development of critical road infrastructure nationwide.   Reflecting on his years of service, he noted that working at the Federal level afforded him the unique opportunity to interact with people from every part of Nigeria, an experience he described as invaluable in promoting national unity, understanding, and mutual respect.   The retired Director commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, for introducing innovative engineering solutions, particularly the adoption of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology, which he said has significantly enhanced the durability, quality, and sustainability of Federal road projects nationwide.   He also appealed to the Federal Government for adequate and timely funding for road projects, describing the sector as a critical catalyst for economic growth, national integration, and sustainable development.   Addressing his colleagues, Engr. Ogbuagu encouraged them to remain committed to the ethics, values, and rules and regulations of the Federal Civil Service, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, honesty, and integrity so that they, too, could retire with honour and pride.   He further commended the ongoing implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), particularly its digital transformation initiatives, and called for sustained support to consolidate the reforms and further improve service delivery across government institutions.   Earlier, in a goodwill message, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed described Engr. Ogbuagu is one of the Ministry's finest professionals, whose career was defined by competence, integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service.   He noted that, beyond his engineering accomplishments, the retiring Director distinguished himself as an exceptional mentor who invested in the growth and development of younger engineers and officers through patient guidance, exemplary leadership, and an untiring commitment to excellence.   According to him, Engr. Ogbuagu's remarkable contributions have left an enduring imprint on the Ministry, while his values of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and selfless service will continue to inspire present and future generations of public servants.   He thanked the retired Director for his loyal, meritorious, and dedicated service to the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at large, praying that Almighty God would grant him good health, peace, joy, and fulfilment in retirement.   The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts, numerous goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, as well as prayers for God's continued guidance and blessings upon Engr. Ogbuagu, as he embarks on a new chapter after an illustrious and impactful career in national service.   ...