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.

Jun

2026

CEMENT MANUFACTURERS MUST REDUCE PRICES, TINUBU IS RETAKING NIGERIA — UMAHI The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has called on cement manufacturers across the country to immediately reduce the price of cement, insisting that the current cost of the product is placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing demands for contract variations. Umahi made the call while delivering keynote address at the official unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on June 21, 2026. Speaking before industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government would engage cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the issue of cement prices. “I want to insist that Lafarge now HBM and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” Umahi declared. “We shall be engaging on this from First of July. Manufacturer of Cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost.” The Minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in critical infrastructure across the country, creating unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers and investors. He urged HBM and other industry players to expand their capacity to meet the growing demands of the nation’s infrastructure revolution. Commending the company on its transition and renewed commitment to the Nigerian market, Umahi assured the management of government support and partnership. “I commend you very highly and I say welcome onboard and we are going to work together. The market is smaller than what the president is doing. So, enlarge your coast,” he said. The Minister used the occasion to highlight the remarkable progress being recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of infrastructure development. He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the evidences of the administration’s bold vision and commitment to national transformation. According to him, the quality and scale of the project have continued to attract global attention and admiration. “When the Dudge Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, Our neighboring nations are coming to steal the technology of the coastal highway.” Umahi expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the leadership and political will driving the country’s infrastructure renaissance, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains firmly on course to restore national prosperity. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I commit that Mr. President is committed to retake this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable and we are on course and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians.” ...

Jun

2026

TINUBU’S INNOVATIVE LAGOS-CALABAR PROJECT ATTRACTS GLOBAL HONOUR AS FINANCIER WINS AWARD — UMAHI The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway is gaining international recognition, with one of its major financiers receiving a global award for supporting what he described as the innovative infrastructure vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking during the inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway in Epe, Lagos State, on Friday, June 19, 2026, Umahi said the project has continued to draw admiration from international financial institutions, foreign governments and infrastructure experts because of its quality and strategic importance. According to the Minister, Deutsche Bank, which led the funding of 70 percent of Sections One and Two of the project, considered the highway undervalued when measured against the quality of work being delivered. “Deutsche Bank, which was the lead bank for the funding of 70% of Sections One and Two, said that Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway Project was undervalued. But the quality of the work is out of this world,” he stated. Umahi said the project has become a major attraction for international stakeholders seeking to understand the engineering standards being deployed on the coastal road. “People are coming. I’m told that the California Transport Minister is on this road today to look at it. Our neighboring countries are coming to look at the quality of the road, and they are trying to snatch HITECH from us. But we will fight. We will not agree,” he said. Highlighting the growing international profile of the project, Umahi revealed that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), one of the financial institutions involved in funding the highway, was honoured at the ongoing IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for its participation in the project. “Just this week, the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) that participated in the funding was given an award at the ongoing IsDBGroup Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for participating in this wonderful, innovative project of President Bola Tinubu. Go and Google it and check it out. They participated with 656 million US dollars, and they were given an award. “This is something to rejoice about,” Umahi said. He noted that the recognition further validates the confidence of international investors in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway and reinforces President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure capable of driving economic growth and national development. While acknowledging the right of citizens to express differing opinions, the Minister urged critics to ensure their comments are guided by facts and a proper understanding of the project. “When people criticize the project, they have to know that it’s their right to criticize. But criticize constructively and be sure of what you are saying. Don’t darken counsel without knowledge,” he cautioned. Umahi also reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and diligent supervision of federal projects, stressing that his service is guided by faith in God, responsibility to the Nigerian people and loyalty to President Tinubu’s development agenda. “I put God first in all that I do. I put the people and I put the President first, and that is the line of commitment to this job. My Bible tells me that by fear of God, men depart from evil. “So I’m doing something in terms of supervision that tomorrow I will answer for, and also in heaven, I will answer to God Almighty.” ...

Jun

2026

UMAHI SHOWCASES FEDERAL PROJECTS IN EBONYI, SAYS SOUTHEAST IS GRATEFUL TO TINUBU AS EBONYI SET TO DEMONSTRATE ITS APPRECIATION TO THE PRESIDENT ON MONDAY The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 led a Federal Government delegation headed by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on an inspection of ongoing federal road projects across Ebonyi State, using the occasion to highlight what he described as the unprecedented infrastructure transformation taking place under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking during the inspection, Umahi showcased several strategic federal projects across the state and the Southeast, explaining that the region remains deeply grateful to President Tinubu for the tangible evidence of inclusion, fairness and development. At the Calabar - Abuja project sites, the Minister explained the strategic importance of a major flyover under construction along the Trans-Sahara Super Highway corridor. “Let me say that this is the point where the Trans-Sahara Route takes a bend. The essence of this flyover is to resolve the conflict at this point,” he said. According to him, the Federal Government has already made provision in the 2026 budget to connect the corridor directly to the Ebonyi State capital. “The road going to the capital city, which is 18km from this point, is included in the 2026 budget, and the Federal Government will undertake the connection to the city centre.” Umahi stressed that despite funding challenges, work would continue uninterrupted across project sites. “Of course, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. All contractors being owed will be paid. There should be no stoppage of work because we want to see if we can commission this project by December. The cost is ₦25 billion.” The Minister described the projects as only a glimpse of what President Tinubu is delivering in the Southeast. “This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East. When we talk about the gains of the South-East under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some people who do not understand what we are talking about will continue to criticize us.” He declared that the people of the Southeast have taken notice of the President’s interventions and are prepared to openly express their appreciation. “The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation when we adopt the President as our sole candidate and, of course, the Governor.” Umahi was emphatic about the region’s political direction. “Let it be known that Ebonyi State is not obedient because we want to catch up with the rest of the country, and we will never be obedient. What happened before was an accident of history. It will not repeat itself.” The Minister also provided updates on the flagship Trans-Sahara Super Highway, revealing that a ₦668 billion contract has already been awarded and construction is progressing steadily despite the rainy season. “The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.” Tracing the history of the corridor, Umahi said the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealized for decades. “We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.” He described the highway as a critical economic route that will connect Nigeria to neighbouring countries while unlocking agricultural and industrial opportunities across the country. “The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.” Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the President’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration are far more than roads. “As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.” Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he explained that infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth. “Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.” He further pointed to visible projects already completed or nearing completion across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including major bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project. “We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.” Reaffirming the Southeast’s support for President Tinubu, Umahi said the region now sees clear evidence of inclusion in federal infrastructure investments. “The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.” The Minister also noted that having a Minister of Works from the Southeast has helped ensure the region’s needs receive the attention they deserve. “Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.” He added: “We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.” Providing updates on President Tinubu’s four signature legacy projects, Umahi highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Corridor and other strategic national routes. According to him, the administration’s infrastructure programme is designed to create jobs, support agriculture, expand regional trade, attract industries and unlock new economic opportunities nationwide. “The four legacy projects are investments designed to transform the Nigerian economy.” He explained that plans along the corridors include dams, irrigation systems, power infrastructure, agricultural settlements, housing developments, factories, hotels and renewable energy facilities. “The benefits are extensive and include both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.” The Minister ended with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead.” Addressing contractors handling federal projects in the state, Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quality and durability. “The moment you do not execute the work properly, it will be obvious. If you do it well, it will reward you. The method is the same, the principle is the same, and the quality is the same. We are using Grade 40 concrete.” He revealed that the 51-kilometre Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road project, valued at ₦53 billion, is nearing completion, with one section already over 90 percent completed and another at about 60 percent completion. The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government has included the extension of the road to Akam in the 2026 budget, where the newly approved South-East Army Depot is located. He added that additional contractors are already working along the Enugu axis and that a new flyover has also been planned at Okposi to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity in the area. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2023

A Big Thank You to Brekete Family for the Words of Encouragement and Constructive Criticism to the Renewed Hope Administration of the Innovative President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

The truth is that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR means well for Nigeria. He is on a Divine mission to reinvent a nation of the dream of the founding fathers, where all Nigerians will be proud to be associated with.

The new innovations on road infrastructure introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works under Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON is among the numerous innovations initiated by Mr President to change the ugly narrative of our developmental history. This was what Mr President did when he presided over Lagos as the 1st democratically elected Governor of Lagos State in the history of the 4th Republic. He made Lagos to be truly Africa’s Centre of Excellence. He broadened the economic prospects of Lagos State and since then Lagos has continued to prosper and to dominate as the largest commercial hub in Africa. Now Mr President is presiding over the most populous country in Africa, you all will see a positive change that will beat the estimation of leaders of African continent. He has the will, the experience, the exposure and the ingenuity to achieve excellence in Nigeria's social- economic history.

The cream of resolute Hon. Ministers and the innovative policies of the Federal Government under our dear President, especially the idea of looking inwards and thinking out of the box will do a lot in mitigating the forex challenges, reduce capital flight, discourage corruption, create jobs and wealth for the teeming population, enhance export potentials, boost industrialization, reduce insecurity, increase our Gross Domestic Product, promote local content and prosper our nation.

This is the aspiration of Mr President. Concrete road initiative which was the original brainchild of our dear President when he presided over Lagos State will do a lot to change our narrative as we can be sure the new road policy is more enduring than the old system of asphalting which often fail and cause monumental pains to road users.

This is why the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Works finds it progressively expedient to say a big thank you to the Brekete Family for supporting the road infrastructure initiative of our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

SPEECHES

Jan

2023

Religious And Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria - The Rev. Euba Example, Being the Text of The First Reverend William Benjamin Euba Memorial Lecture 110th Founders Day Celebration

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you all for the honour of inviting me to speak at this year's Founders Day celebration of the Eko Boys High School and in particular for inaugurating this Memorial lecture in honour of the visionary Reverend William Benjamin Euba now of very blessed memory, who founded this school.

I know that in 1955 when the Premier of the Western Region inaugurated the free primary education program across the western region, the prevailing condition was one of mass illiteracy.

While many of our people are now literate in numeracy and letters, and they can now operate a telephone, this literacy that we have come to take for granted, was unthinkable on any scale in the western region in 1955. Large numbers of people simply could not put meaning to numbers and letters talk less of reading or writing.

One of the permanent businesses of that time, was that of a professional letter writer. Yes, in case you did not know or you have forgotten that was a business that once thrived in Nigeria and which happily by the vision and execution of Awolowo, is now history, because the monopoly of knowledge by a few has been democratised by the leadership provided by one man and his team.

But my intervention is not about Obafemi Awolowo but rather about William Euba.

But it is important to put matters in context by emphasising how difficult things were in 1955 when Awolowo intervened, which is just 68 years ago.

You can therefore imagine perhaps how much more difficult the Euba era was, back in January 1913 when he opened the doors of Eko Boys High School to the public to get Educated.

That was 110 years ago today and approximately 42 years before free education started; and interestingly, both events occurred in January.

On a lighter note, and for those who have recently been involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, I do not intend such a debate between Euba and Awolowo.

Rather, I seek to celebrate the farsightedness of their vision about the importance of education and knowledge to nation building, peaceful coexistence and information management for rational choices.

This school, founded by Reverend Euba, and the many more that have come after it have in my view been the glue that has bound our people together in more ways than we have either acknowledged or appreciated.

This is the background to my discussion of the topic of this lecture: Religious and Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria - The Reverend Euba Example.

The example of Rev. Euba remains iconic because he set up a school that opened its doors to people from all walks of life, in our diverse country.

The importance of this educational tolerance to peaceful coexistence is easy to miss, if we do not understand how strong identities are, and how even more strongly people cling to their tribal, ethnic, and religious identities.

For those who want to delve into the matter of identity more deeply, I recommend, “IDENTITY: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment” by Francis Fukuyama.

But for the purpose of today, it is simply important to stress how strongly those identities magnify our suspicions about one another, inflame myths about others in our minds and expand fault lines that overshadows the common bonds of humanity that we all share.

It is the very early work and initiative of men like Reverend Euba and other missionaries of the time to open access to formal education for African and Nigerian children on a non-discriminatory basis that has helped in no small way to bridge those gaps that are being widened by manipulation of our ethnic and religious diversity.

As I have had cause to argue on occasion, if our creator has demonstrated the capacity to create diversity, certainly nothing could have prevented him from making us all the same other than his infinite wisdom that our diversity would better enrich us and make our planet a more exciting place.

Regrettably this is what a few people (and I insist that they are few) choose to weaponize and deny us of the richness and excitement that the creator intended for us.

Clearly, Reverend Euba saw through their chicanery many years before it matured. He chose education as his weapon to put those few people in their place.

A place of irrelevance and ignominy, supplanted by the training of a large army of young people who have the understanding of both religions, who accept the minor differences between them and who decide to embrace the fundamentals of a common good and a common humanity.

Those young people, by virtue of the opportunity they got to attend the same school, sit in the same classrooms, eat together and participate in sporting activities together have learned that we are not different from one another even if we speak different languages.

Afterall, as Bishop Desmond Tutu of blessed memory argues in his book "God is not a Christian," that the languages we speak and the faith we profess are not divine; on the contrary they are products of where we were born and to whom we were born.

Those accidental circumstances should not define our essence. They should not be points of discord or discontent. Rather they should serve as sources of strength and richness which in fact they are.

It is to the eternal credit of Reverend William Benjamin Euba and others like him that they saw these sources of strength and richness and exposed young men and women to them through education.

This has turned a generation of young men and women into a large army of adults who have overcome religious and ethnic differences to contribute to national good and development.

Permit me to illustrate this phenomenon, by telling you a story that is only one example of many uncountable stories, which keeps the very few peddlers of division in check in our country.

On the 16th day of December 2022, I was invited to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School premises to open an e-learning centre at the school premises in Bariga area of Lagos.

The centre had 300 computers, high speed broadband internet, fully equipped IT lab, for students and many other facilities for librarians and teachers. It was not built by the Anglican mission nor was it built by a Christian.

It was built by a Muslim, Senator Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa, a two-term senator and now the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority.

It was built in part because he was an old boy of that school. The Anglican mission did not shut him out about 50 years ago when he sought admission there, on the grounds that he was a Muslim.

On the contrary, they opened their doors to him, and interestingly while still a student, the school gave him a special permission to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca as his parents wished and he returned to complete his education.

As I said, at the occasion, what is a Bareehu doing amongst Anglicans? Only the farsighted vision of missionaries and men like Reverend Euba could have found a place of comfort for a Bareehu amongst Anglicans, and for me a Raji in Eko Boys High School. Yes, I passed through this school for one year.

Ladies and gentlemen, Reverend Euba’s place in Nigeria’s quest for peaceful coexistence is legendary. We cannot thank him enough. May his kind, generous and visionary soul continue to rest in peace and may his example continue to inspire our nation.