Federal Ministry of Works

Oct

2026

LATEST PRESS

GORONYO COMMENDS SOKOTO GOVERNOR FOR DONATING 10 HILUX VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY ALONG SOKOTO–BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, for donating 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.

The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE.
The donation is expected to enhance the operational capacity of military personnel and other security agencies responsible for protecting construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.

Speaking during the ceremony, Goronyo described the donation as a demonstration of the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its landmark infrastructure projects.

The Minister emphasised that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway represents a long-standing national infrastructure vision that dates back several decades, with its conception traced to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s. However, the vision remained unrealised for decades until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, initiated the construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.

He described the project as a significant step towards translating a historic aspiration into tangible infrastructure that will connect communities, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national integration.

According to Goronyo, President Tinubu’s commitment to the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria.
He noted that the superhighway, which traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, is designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade, create employment and open up new economic opportunities along its route.

The Minister added that the highway would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce, industry and the development of communities across the corridor.
He stressed that the successful delivery of the project would require sustained commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.

Goronyo maintained that effective security remained essential to the timely and successful completion of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. He explained that the provision of operational vehicles would strengthen the mobility and response capabilities of security personnel deployed to safeguard the project and its surrounding communities.

The Minister highlighted other strategic infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He explained that these projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to developing an integrated road network capable of supporting commerce, strengthening inter-state connections and accelerating national economic growth.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo further noted that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable road infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He added that complementary environmental and safety measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would contribute to environmental sustainability, visibility and road safety.

Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which security personnel operate and urged them to remain steadfast in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Honourable Minister also expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day. He described the loss as painful and extended his sympathy to the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families, while praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and strength for their loved ones.

He further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in addressing security challenges associated with the project, particularly through assistance and coordination aimed at strengthening security operations along the highway corridor.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda, Goronyo said the Ministry of Works would continue to support the implementation of strategic projects under President Tinubu’s leadership, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure their successful delivery.

He expressed optimism that the continued implementation of the Federal Government’s development programmes would bring lasting benefits to Nigerians, while acknowledging the complementary role of the Sokoto State Government in supporting infrastructure development and security.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for the donation of the 10 Hilux vehicles.

The GOC noted that the vehicles would significantly enhance the operational mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway corridor, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a valuable boost to their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations and protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.

The GOC also commended the representative of Hitech Construction Company, retired General Sa'ad Abubakar, for the company's involvement in the project.

The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely delivery of strategic infrastructure projects.

The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to protect national infrastructure and advance the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and development.

Mar

2025

FG Flags Off Access Road to Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A), Reinforces Commitment to Infrastructure Development The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works has officially flagged off the Construction of a 17.55-Kilometre Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A) in Asaba, linking the South South Zone to the South East. This milestone event underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to enhancing national road infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works Engr (Sen) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE lauded the host State Government for its commitment to infrastructure development, emphasising that governance is about improving the lives of the people. He commended the Edo State Governor’s proactive approach to addressing road infrastructure needs, acknowledging the numerous ongoing projects, including three major flyovers in Warri town. "Your state is a construction site. You have demonstrated that leadership is about responsibility, not excuses. Instead of blaming the Federal government, you are taking proactive actions. That is highly commendable," he stated. Engr. Umahi further highlighted the Federal Government’s broader vision for road infrastructure, revealing that multiple strategic road projects are either ongoing or in the pipeline, nationwide. These include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, the East-West Road, the remaining section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, amongst others. He assured that the 9-kilometre extension of the just-flagged off Reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the 2nd Niger Bridge requested by the State Government has been approved. To ensure the security and sustainability of the newly constructed roads and bridges, the Government has implemented advanced surveillance measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras along the Access Roads and the Bridge. These cameras will be linked to the offices of the Governors of the concerned States to monitor activities and prevent vandalism. Additionally, the project will incorporate solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and security. The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising inherited projects and delivering impactful infrastructure to Nigerians. He emphasized that under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, road projects nationwide are receiving unprecedented attention, ensuring seamless connectivity and economic progress. "All major road projects inherited by Mr. President are ongoing. He has given them priority attention. This administration believes in continuity and results, not political excuses," he stressed. The project, he continued, is part of a broader national infrastructure strategy aimed at connecting key economic zones and improving transportation efficiency. The government has assured that funding is secured, with 30% of the contract sum ready to be paid, while strict timelines and performance monitoring will be enforced to ensure timely delivery. The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, while acknowledging the presence of dignitaries at the occasion, stated “It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today, representing His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This occasion is not just about flagging off a road project—it is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to economic development, national integration, and infrastructure renewal. “The construction of the Access Road is a major step towards strengthening our nation’s connectivity. This road will ease movement, facilitate trade, and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Delta, Anambra, and beyond. It is yet another proof that under this administration, infrastructure development remains a top priority for fostering economic growth and national unity. I want to, especially, commend the government and people of Delta and Anambra States for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this project. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this vision a reality. Infrastructure development is not just the responsibility of the Federal Government requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the State Governments, Local Communities, and Private Sector Partners,” says the President. The Governor added “To our esteemed contractors, I urge you to ensure the highest standards of quality and timely completion of this project. This is not just a road; it is a legacy of progress that will serve generations to come.” He extended his gratitude to all present-the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all who have contributed in one way or another to the realisation of the initiative. “Your support and dedication to the success of this project reflect our shared commitment to building a better, more connected Nigeria. As we look forward to its completion, let us all continue to work together for the development of our great nation,” Governor Oborevwori concluded. ...

Mar

2025

Flag-off of the 125-KM Benin-Asaba Dual Carriageway: A Game Changer in Road Development The Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway, a vital road corridor in the southern part of the country. The event, which took place on Sunday, 21st March 2025, was performed on behalf of the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo. In his Address, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE disclosed the project's significance in enhancing transportation, economic growth, and regional integration. He highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to improving road infrastructure as a means of boosting national development and integration, noting that the partnership driving the project would enhance the safety and efficiency of travel while unlocking the economic potential of the region. “This project will generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and an improved standard of living for the people. I urge all stakeholders to work, collaboratively, to ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure,” the Minister stated. He also added that "The Benin–Asaba Expressway Project, is more than a road. It is an ambitious Dual Carriage, solar-lit that is to be fully funded by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement." On behalf of the government and good people of Edo and Delta States, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his leadership and unwavering support for infrastructure development in the region and the nation, at large. He also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget, that would guarantee the timely execution of Federal road projects. He officially handed over the Engineering Design and Instruments of Authority for the contract to the Concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited, while canvassing for support in the 2027 Presidential polls. In their various Goodwill Messages at the epoch-making ceremony, the Governor of Delta State, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Monday Onyeme, the Senator representing Edo North and former Governor, H.E. Adams Oshiomole, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State and representative of the Transport Union, eulogised Mr. President for the life-changing project, promising to vote for him in 2027, overwhelmingly. The Governor also pleaded with Mr President to extend the alignment to the Onitsha Bridge. In his closing remarks, the Governor of Edo State commended the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu has prioritised road construction as a catalyst for economic transformation. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministries of Works and Finance in driving infrastructure renewal across the country. “The impact of quality infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which socio-economic growth and development are built. I commend President Tinubu’s administration for its visionary leadership in making this project a reality,” the Governor stressed. The flag-off of the Benin-Asaba Expressway is a giant leap in Nigeria’s journey towards bequeathing a modern, efficient, and well-maintained road infrastructure to the citizenry. The Federal Government remains resolute in completing this project on schedule, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from improved connectivity and its associated economic opportunities. The Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is a strategic infrastructure development programme of the Federal Ministry of Works designed to encourage private sector participation in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Federal highways across the country. Through this Initiative, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability, ensuring that all stakeholders - the government, private investors, and road users - benefit from improved road networks. As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, HDMI is structured to attract long-term sustainable investments for the expansion, modernisation, and effective utilisation of Nigeria's road infrastructure. It facilitates the design, construction, operation, management, and maintenance of Federal highways, ensuring that all infrastructure and assets within the designated rights of way are efficiently developed and maintained, leveraging private sector expertise and funding. It further seeks to enhance road quality, improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and ultimately create a safer and more reliable road transportation network for Nigerians and other users. The Benin-Asaba alignment, a 125-kilometre Dual Carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria. It is a vital artery connecting vibrant economic regions of the country. The total project cost required for the rehabilitation and value-added concession of the Expressway will be funded by the Benin - Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited - Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium (APPNLC) with a 30-month completion period. In attendance were many stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, Directors-General of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the Edo State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, Party and Opinion Leaders, Market Women, Transport Workers, to mention but a few. ...

Mar

2025

WORKS MINISTER UMAHI COMMENDS HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU, TASKS STAKEHOLDERS ON COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE SHARED GOALS. CONGRATULATES SSA TO PRESIDENT ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SOUTH-EAST FOR HER COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING HUMAN EMPOWERMENT AND PROMOTING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has praised the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in developing critical competencies that will improve health care and other service delivery in Nigeria's health care related academic institutions. The Honourable Minister made this commendation during the flag-off of a health care programme on free cancer screening, free eye testing, free dialysis, and skills up empowerment programme for the people and residents of South East organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement South East, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze, in conjunction with David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu, held at the university premises on 8th March 2025. The Honourable Minister, who represented the President of Nigeria during the event, said the Federal Government was committed to providing enabling infrastructure and the most conducive learning environment in our universities. He recounted the various interventions of Mr. President to David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, which was incidentally built by the Honourable Minister when he was the Governor of Ebonyi State and which law establishing it and naming it after the founder, David Umahi, was passed by the 10th National Assembly under the Renewed Hope administration. He said, "I thank Mr. President, so much for the asphalting of this institution, the building of the hall that is here, and so many things, including the uninterrupted power supply enjoyed by the university." He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon.Prince Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB GGCEHF and his dear wife, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru for their commitments to the advancement of learning and excellence in the university. "Greet the Governor and his dear wife for me." I am going to support their commitments to this institution when I make my donation. Tell the Governor that I appreciate his subvention to this federal institution, which he gives every month." The Honourable Minister commended the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, South-East for the thoughtful motivations of her programme which he said was a wakeup call to all stakeholders, public and private institutions to show collaborative support to the government to achieve shared goals in health care delivery. "And so, what you are doing beyond Ebonyi State for the entire South-East and extending it to the entire Nigeria is commendable. Congratulations on your commitment. Congratulations on this programme" He pledged his continual support to the university to enable it to realize its goals of achieving unmatched excellence in their health care facilities such as Radiology Centre, Cancer Centre, Eye Centre, Kidney Centre, Maternal and Childbirth Centre. Speaking during the event, the representative of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, who is also the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, extolled the initiative of the SSA on Community Engagement to give the people access to quality health care and life changing empowerment and assured of the commitment of the State Government in supporting the Federal University of Health Sciences in the State in realizing the objectives of its establishment. "We have committed so much, both money, a lot of commitment, and still, this government is also highly determined and committed to giving all the enabling environment to make sure that any programme concerning health is given the total support it deserves." Earlier in her address, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement said she initiated the health care outreach and skill up empowerment programme for South-East communities to add value to the laudable initiatives of Mr. President's administration, which is aimed at stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians. She said, "I recognize that access to quality health care is a fundamental human right, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every individual in the South-East has access to it, regardless of their background or financial situation. Our medical outreach initiative, which we have earlier started, is a multifaceted programme that will provide a range of free medical services, including cancer screening, free eye screening, and medical classes to the first 200 patients. We have also provided dialysis treatment for one year for all the 97 Local Government Areas in the South-East. My office will equally be flagging off the skill up South-East programme, which focuses on empowerment of the people and residents of South-East through fashion and entrepreneurship." She further assured, "Our participants will have access to modern tailoring facilities, mentorship, and guidance from industrial experts. We are not only empowering our youths through skill acquisition, but we are also providing them with the opportunity to develop their business plans and pitch their ideas. This will enable them to become entrepreneurs and job creators, contributing to the economic growth and development of our region." She thanked immensely the collaborations of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and solicited for more collaborations from public spirited individuals and bodies to enable her to attain the aspirations of her office in raising capacities and enhancing self reliance in South-East ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jul

2021

Federal Ministry Works & Housing Sets Up Ministerial And Departmental Task Team To Enforce Covid-19 Protocols

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has given a strong warning to those violating the Covid 19 Prevention protocols in the Ministry to desist from such or stay away from the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary gave the warning earlier today while inaugurating a Ministerial and Departmental Task Team on Covid-19.

Mr. Babangida said that the Task Team was to ensure compliance with prescribed preventive measures and curtailing the spread of Covid-19 Virus, adding that every aspect of Covid-19 control mechanism and crowd control must be adopted and enforced.

He also urged the newly inaugurated Task Team to generate massive awareness campaign on the consequences of the breach of prescribed Covid-19 preventive Protocols and put in place adequate sanctions against violators.

The Permanent Secretary noted with concern the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks and charged the team to save the government from unnecessary expenses associated with uncontrolled spread of the pandemic, adding that lives of Nigerians are considered very important by the government.

He ordered that henceforth, the team should monitor staff’ and visitors’ compliance to the protocols and punish offenders to deter others.

He therefore, directed that patrol along the corridor in the Ministry should be ramped up and that a reporting template should be put up as well as activating all sanitary facilities within the Ministry.

The Committee which was a ten- man team was chaired by the Ministry’s Director Human Resource Management, Mr. Umar Abdullahi Utono

SPEECHES

Sep

2019

Ikoyi Club At 81: The Youth And Leadership In Nation Building, Lecture Delivered By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The Anniversary Lecture To Commemorate The 81st Anniversary Of Ikoyi Club 1938

Ladies and gentlemen, let me thank the Vice Chairman of Ikoyi Club, who incidentally is Chairman of the anniversary sub-committee, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, and by extension, the management and entire body of members of the Ikoyi Club 1938 for inviting me to deliver this anniversary lecture.

Because it is an anniversary, felicitations are in order and I offer congratulations to all of you members of this club and to myself, being a member in my own right. As we say in Eko: “Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ara mi”.

It is not easy to deal with my assigned topic which is Ikoyi Club at 81: The Youth and Leadership in Nation Building. In that sense, my host has not done me any favours by setting me this difficult task.

Firstly, 81 years of Ikoyi Club is eight decades of history entwined with the early development of Nigeria that features valleys and hills of segregation, war, independence, births, deaths, family tribulations and triumphs, consultations and confrontation with government, court cases and much more.

To undertake only a review of those eighty-one years will keep us here for a long time. Time that we certainly do not have today.

What is important is that against the odds, in spite of the passage of time, Ikoyi Club 1938 has not only survived, it has endured and prospered.

One of the reasons for this, and there are many, is the fact that it is a family club, where children can come with their parents and get exposed very early to the finest traditions of the club, mature to become youth (young adults), become members in their own right and ultimately rise to various positions of responsibility and leadership in their various sections and main management committee in a series of torch passing moments and generational regeneration for which Ikoyi club has been the beneficiary.

Secondly, the youth and the role they play in emerging leadership have been and remain a subject of long and continuing study that we cannot exhaust today.

Therefore, to make my task easier than my host may have planned, I will be speaking about youth and leadership within a context and I will come to the context shortly.

In the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary quarter of a century reign as Manchester United’s most successful manager, he decided to disband the old and aging players he inherited.

He fielded a team of mostly teenagers and a few players in their early twenties in the season of 1992. The British press was unsparing in their condemnations and criticisms.

The most memorable headline was one which read: “You cannot win anything with kids.”

Sir Alex Ferguson was famously later to reply by saying “You cannot win anything without them,” because those kids, who later and forever will be known as the Class of 1992 became so successful and have remained the gold standard for that club and many others.

It was on their backs that two decades of success and global brand building of the Manchester United colours was achieved and propagated to every continent and to millions if not billions of homes.

This is the context about which I want to speak about the youth and leadership because in truth and in fact, it is the youth who have borne the responsibility of leadership as history has shown us.

Whether it is the young men, mostly teenagers, who bravely charged at the German forces on the beach of Normandy in June of 1944, to free Europe and the rest of the world from a very mendacious leader; or the young Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and their ilk, who in the prime of youthfulness, dared to ask, challenge and struggle for independence against British Imperial rule; or the Golden Eaglets who won our first gold in global cadet football in 1985 to be followed by the Olympic medallists of 1996; or those who battled adversity in the desert in the ‘Miracle’ of Damman to set an example of an unflagging and undying Nigerian spirit.

It is the youth who have projected the might, resourcefulness and the possibilities of their nations across the world.

History is replete with records of bravery, daring, decisiveness and leadership that the young people have provided everywhere.

In business, entrepreneurship and innovation, it is the youth and young people who have led the way and demonstrated leadership.

Brands like Microsoft, Facebook and Twitter are products of youthful endeavour, daring and innovation that have re-ordered our world. In Nigeria, brands like GT Bank, Thisday Newspaper, Zenith Bank, Dangote Group, Oando and many more are the products of the youthful endeavour and determination of the Fola Adeolas, Nduka Obaigbenas, Jim Ovia, Aliko Dangote, Wale Tinubu and many more of their type.

They may have needed government permits, licenses and other approvals, but they did not refuse to act because government was not acting.

If you under estimate what the generation of Chief Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, on one hand and the generation of the Dangotes, Obaigbenas and Adeolas have done (and their list is much longer than I can recount in this speech) perhaps a few points will help to remind us.

Let us all remind ourselves that in the period before independence, there was racial segregation in Nigeria and Nigerians could not use this club as members.

Imagine if that generation of young men and women did not act by agitating for independence, would the walls of segregation have voluntarily given way? Would Nigerians have become members of this club, would they have invited me to speak here today?

Imagine the days when it took a whole day to cash a cheque, and two days to get a bank draft or recall the middlemen who prospered on the back of ordinary citizens when we had to import cement; and remember the days when only government controlled the print and electronic media.

If you do, and you think banking is easier today, cement is no longer a dealer’s racket and the news and information are easier to access, we must salute the daring and the endeavour of that generation of Nigerians.

We must also acknowledge another generation who have started walking this path, who are now in their twenties, thirties and forties and who are building a new series of brands in medicine, industrialization, entertainment, agriculture and other areas too numerous to mention.

They are already acting to take leadership. They are propelled by the fire of youthfulness and the capacity to dare.

Presently, shortly, and in the imminent future, we are, we will and we expect to feel the impact of their efforts as they will change the way we live and experience life.

And this is the centre point of my address. The Duty of the youth and their Responsibility for leadership.

Every generation of young people must understand their duty, rise up to it, and discharge it not only for themselves, but also for the next generation.

It is that sense of duty and the responsibility to act, as distinct from rights and the sense of entitlement, that is the defining character of the youthfulness in nation building and it is about some of those duties, that I wish to speak.

Sadly, I say so, we have been more concerned about rights and less about duties and we have abandoned many of the traditional building blocks that helped to prepare children into dutiful young persons and adults.

Indeed, until recently, our constitution only first provided for rights without prescribing for the duties we owe as citizens to our country.

Between 1922 and 1999 we have had 9 (Nine) Constitutions.

But remarkably while all of them make provisions for Rights of Citizens, it was in the 1989 Constitution that provisions were made for duties of citizens.

The 1989 Constitution provided for 10 (Ten) duties but these have now been harmonized into 6 (Six) duties in the 1999 Constitution that we now operate.

Perhaps because of this omission, (which I think is grave), we have looked at our country and nation with a sense of expectation of what we can get from her rather than what we can do for her.

It is therefore not unusual to feel a sense of disappointment which is expressed in statements like “what is Nigeria doing for me,” as against a sense of obligation that propels us to be driven by an urge and sense of duty to want to do our best for our country.

We have a saturation of Human Rights Defenders and organisations without Civic Duty advocates.

Rights do not exist in a vacuum.

This is perhaps why we expect messiah-like leaders, when indeed the youth and all of us are the leaders we are looking for.

This is a mindset that has set us back and it is a mindset that we must urgently get rid of like a bad habit.

It is a mindset that sees what is foreign and imported as better than what is Nigerian. It is a mindset that seeks answers in prayers, miracles and spiritualism. It is a mindset that credits and ascribes every little success that our hands achieve to the realm of miracles, religion and the unbelievable.

It is a mindset that avoids responsibility.

This is the mindset that “thanks God” when we build a house instead of the architects and builders; when our children do well in school we thank God instead of the teachers, when our sportsmen excel we thank God instead of the coaches.

It is a mindset that leads us to deny our reality and say we are “strong” even when we are visibly ill. If you doubt me, please listen to conversations in our country and in other countries, on our media platforms and those of other countries and see how many times we talk about God.

This is a mindset that abdicates responsibility and it is a slippery slope from which we must turn around and embrace our responsibilities especially our youth.

Some of the duties we owe our country and ourselves are set out in Section 24 of the Constitution of 1999, as amended, as follows:

It shall be the duty of every citizen to:

(A) abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities;

(B) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required;

(C) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood;

(D) make a positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides;

(E) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;

(F) declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly.”

I cannot but wonder if this is the mindset that has made the taking of “selfies” with almost every available camera a most consuming and disturbing pastime when that same phone can be deployed for other productive and developmental uses.

It is a mindset that places self above others and it is unhelpful towards the task of nation-building.

It is probably the mindset that suggests to many to flee Nigeria when things are difficult. For everyone that chooses to leave please remember that there are people also applying to be citizens of Nigeria.

Indians, Cypriots, Greeks, Lebanese, Chinese and other nationalities have chosen Nigeria as the place to invest and raise families and this cycle that started around the 1950s has not stopped.

Every year there are applications made to the Nigerian Government for Nigerian citizenship.

The hard work, the ceaseless responsibility of nation-building which started in Nigeria since 1914 will fall on no other than her citizens especially its youthful population.

The soldiers who would defend her territory must be her strongest and by implication her most youthful.

The men and women who will build her infrastructure, move heavy equipment, that will turn ore to steel, break rocks, transport them, mix cement, lay the bricks cannot be her weakest but her strongest and therefore her most youthful citizens.

The teachers who will teach the next generation cannot be her oldest but her most enterprising and youthful ones.

The policemen and women, that will protect her citizens from criminal acts must be her strongest not her weakest, and must therefore be her youth.

The sportsmen who have and will continue to protect her global image and sporting prowess cannot be her weakest but her strongest and fittest, and therefore must be her youth.

Those who will be joined in matrimony to continue the act of procreation; to produce the next generation of Nigeria’s human capital will be those largely of childbearing age and therefore her youth.

Those who will farm the fields, work the tractors, the factories that process food will not be the aging, aged and infirm, but the youthful energetic and virile members of our citizenry.

The list is long, but these examples show the burden of responsibility for nation building that rests fairly on the shoulders of the young and youthful members of any community. It is their destiny to fulfil or betray.

I urge all of us in this club, in our offices, our local Governments, in our states and in our country to acknowledge and salute the efforts of those who have come before us.

No matter how much is now left to be done, let us acknowledge that those who came before us have started the journey.

If we do so, we will appreciate the value of their contribution to the work which we now have to do, because nation building is a never ending responsibility.

The actors change but the duties and the nation endures.

On this auspicious occasion of Ikoyi Club’s 81st anniversary, and on the eve of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary, I say once again Happy Anniversary.

God will bless Ikoyi Club and Nigeria, but it is the members of Ikoyi and Nigerian citizens, especially the youthful ones that will build Ikoyi Club and Nigeria.

Thank you for listening.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing