Federal Ministry of Works

Sep

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI ORDERS IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA ROAD, AND SOME OTHER CRITICAL FEDERAL ROADS

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Federal Road to restore the failed sections and bring an end to the suffering of motorists and other road users.

This is because, the situation on the concessioned Benin-Asaba Road has reached a point where the overall public interest must take precedence over the existing concession agreement.

Recall that the Honourable Minister of Works was on the Benin-Asaba Road about seven days ago, where he assembled a number of contractors and directed them to prepare for immediate palliative intervention on the affected sections of the road at no cost to the concessionaire. In line with the Concession agreement which requires that before the Federal Government could intervene, the permission of the concessionaire must be required, and that permission was not granted to federal government.

The Minister subsequently proposed three options to the concessionaire, any one of which would have enabled the Federal Government to move in and address the worsening condition of the road. Unfortunately, none of the options was accepted by the concessionaire. Immediately after the Minister left Asaba, the already limited equipment deployed to the road by the concessionaire was further reduced to just one, worsening the situation and increasing the suffering of motorists and other road users.

While the Minister takes responsibility for the concerns and suffering of Nigerians using the road, it is important to state that the concessionaire has also not taken the suffering of Edo people and travelling public sufficiently into consideration by declining all the options put forward by the Federal Government. The concessionaire continues to rely on the terms of the concession agreement entered into by the previous administration, an agreement which weighs heavily against the Federal Government’s ability to intervene quickly in the interest of the public in a situation like this.

In view of this situation, the Honourable Minister of Works has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed sections and bring relief to the people, with the cost of the emergency intervention being borne by the Federal Government. The Honourable Minister has also directed immediate redesign of the entire route to be rebuilt with reinforced concrete pavement. The public should therefore take note that immediate action is underway to restore every failed section of the Benin-Asaba Road and subsequently rehabilitate the entire sections of the road using reinforced concrete pavement.

2. On the Benin-Sapele Road:
The Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government are currently engaged in interventions on different sections of the road to restore the entire route. While some sections are receiving palliative attention, permanent works are also ongoing on other sections.

3. On Ifaki(Ekiti) - Kabba (Kogi) Road:
The Federal Government is engaging both the contractor; Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, and Dangote PLC on immediate emergency and permanent intervention on the most failed sections of the road, while efforts are being made to financially mobilise the company for more extensive permanent work to commence on the axis.

4. On the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Road: This is an inherited project involving the dualisation of approximately 350 kilometres, which translates to about 700 kilometers. The project has since been redesigned and is currently ongoing and most sections are being reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement. From the Sokoto axis towards Zamfara, over 50 kilometres of one carriageway have been fully completed with reinforced concrete pavement. From Zamfara to Katsina, some sections have been completed and palliative works have been ordered over the sections that have not been reconstructed. However, the pace of work slowed down due to the redesign and rephasing of the project. The contractors currently engaged on the road include CBC, SETRACO, Triacta and Mothercat. They are being remobilised to return to site and complete the outstanding works.

5. On the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: The Federal Government took over the Road project and has currently completed the 118-kilometer mostly on reinforced concrete pavement on lot 1. The Lot 2, which covers 164 kilometres, is over 60 percent completed on reinforced concrete pavement. The Federal Government has also introduced solar-powered light on the entire route of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria - Kano to improve visibility during night travel and enhance the overall security situation on the route. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

6. On Bauchi-Jigawa Road: Triacta Nigeria Limited has been mobilised to carry out the necessary interventions on some failed sections and work is currently ongoing in those failed sections.

7. On the Sagamu-Ore Road: 48 Kilometers of the 96-kilometre road have already been completed using reinforced concrete pavement. There is also a 24-kilometre section around Ore which was abandoned by the previous contractor. The Federal Government has directed its immediate restoration to ensure seamless travel. Solar lights are being installed in the entire 96kilometer of the road.

8. On Flooded Sections on Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road: The flooded sections on the same corridor between Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road, as well as other flooded sections in Ondo State, are being designed for emergency procurement and intervention.

9. On the East-West Road:
Some failed and critical sections, including defective sections of bridges along the East-West Road, are being marked out for emergency procurement and intervention.

10. On the Abuja-Lokoja Road:
Several contracts are ongoing along the route, while the three critical sections currently without contracts are being procured for emergency intervention.

11. On the Lokoja-Benin-Warri Road: The President has directed a complete redesign and procurement of the 400-kilometre dualised route covering the uncompleted sections, using reinforced concrete pavement, while palliative works will continue with the contractors currently on the road.

12. On Carter Bridge:
While the Federal Government continues to undertake weekly maintenance of the underwater elements of the bridge. The site has also been handed over to the contractor, CCECC, for the construction of a permanent new bridge, and work has commenced.

13. On the Third Mainland Bridge:
With regard to the defective underwater structural elements, the Federal Government is at the final stage of determining the appropriate intervention for the repair of the affected elements.

14. On the flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Road: Work has commenced on the affected section. There are also several flooded sections on federal roads across the six geopolitical zones, largely occasioned by excessive flooding and the effects of climate change. The Federal Government is identifying and marking these sections for immediate attention.

15. On the First and Second Niger Bridges:
Intervention work is ongoing on the approach roads to the Second Niger Bridge damaged by flood and the work is progressing very well. The First Niger Bridge has been closed to traffic to enable immediate repair works. Contractor has mobilized to site and comprehensive rehabilitation of the bridge has started. From Summit Junction to the First Niger Bridge, massive rehabilitation work is also ongoing using reinforced concrete pavement.

16. The Honourable Minister wishes to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the massive work being undertaken on the nation’s roads since the administration assumed office in 2023.

17. It is important to state that when the present administration came into office, there was hardly any part of the country where one could travel for an hour without encountering significant challenges on the road network. The condition of the country’s roads and bridges was a major national infrastructure challenge.

18. Rather than shy away from the problem, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the nation’s road network a priority. Virtually every part of the country became a priority, and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, Regional Commissions, Parastatals and other MDA’s has continued to respond extensively to these challenges.

19. The Federal Government is currently working on over 80 percent of the inherited federal roads, an unprecedented level of intervention in the country’s road infrastructure.

20. We ask the public to understand the enormous challenges inherited on our roads and bridges and to take note not only of the problems being solved, but also of the permanent solutions being introduced.

21. A major part of this new approach is the use of reinforced concrete pavement, designed to significantly extend the lifespan of major roads. These roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years. This means that roads being constructed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are being designed with future generations in mind, rather than simply providing temporary solutions to today’s problems. And this is a complete departure from the past, when roads often deteriorated only a few years after completion, resulting in a continuous cycle of reconstruction and expenditure.

22. We appreciate the concerns of Nigerians over the condition of some roads presently and the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters who cannot move easily from one point to another. Those concerns are legitimate, and the Federal Government is listening. But Nigerians should also recognise the enormous scale of the problems inherited and the amount of work currently being undertaken across the country.

23. It is simply impossible to resolve every road challenge accumulated over many years of neglect by the past administrations within three years. What is important is that the government is working, the government is responding, and the government is putting permanent solutions in place.

25. We appreciate members of the public who send situation reports on failed roads and other infrastructure challenges. These reports help the Ministry identify areas requiring urgent attention. However, we also appeal to members of the public to report when such problems have been addressed, just as they report when they occur.

24. We are aware of situations where photographs and reports of road challenges continue to circulate on social media even after the Federal Government has intervened and resolved the particular problem.
25. However, the Ministry will continue to respond as rapidly as possible to genuine reports and concerns from Nigerians.
26. It is also important to note that we have compiled a comprehensive record of all inherited, ongoing and intervention projects across the country which is available to the public. This is to ensure that Nigerians have access to information on the infrastructure projects being undertaken nationwide and can fully participate in and appreciate the infrastructure revolution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

May

2026

INFRASTRUCTURE REMAINS CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH — PERMANENT SECRETARY TELLS INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE CONFERENCE 2026 IN ABUJA The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, has reaffirmed that infrastructure development remains the foundation of economic growth and sustainable national development, stressing that no nation can attain meaningful progress without substantial investment in critical infrastructure. Speaking at the International Civil Service Conference 2026 held on Thursday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary described infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation, noting that the present administration has prioritised infrastructure and transportation as central pillars of national development. According to him, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa have continued to achieve significant economic advancement through deliberate and sustained investments in roads, railways, power, and other essential infrastructure. He explained that infrastructure plays a strategic role across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and oil and gas, by facilitating the movement of goods and services, enhancing productivity, attracting investments, and improving the quality of life of citizens. Adeladan further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted modern and resilient road construction technology known as Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices and in response to the growing impact of climate change on road infrastructure. He noted that although CRCP roads require higher initial construction costs, they are more durable, environmentally sustainable, cost-effective over time, and capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads for up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. The Permanent Secretary added that the adoption of concrete pavement technology promotes local content development through the utilisation of locally sourced materials and labour, thereby creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth. Addressing the challenges confronting infrastructure development in Nigeria, Adeladan identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, particularly given the enormous resources required to bridge the nation’s infrastructure deficit. He explained that government alone cannot provide all the funding needed for infrastructure development, hence the increasing adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and concession arrangements for major road projects nationwide. He cited the Benin–Asaba Road and the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga corridor as examples of projects already concessioned to ensure sustainable maintenance, improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of designing infrastructure projects with clear developmental objectives, sustainability, climate resilience, and community needs in mind, noting that infrastructure investments must deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and long-term public value. Also speaking at the conference, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, underscored the importance of proper planning and climate-conscious infrastructure delivery to mitigate losses caused by flooding, erosion, and poor maintenance culture. Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, advocated the integration of technology, smart city concepts, community participation, and human capital development in infrastructure planning and implementation. In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) emphasised that Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gap requires stronger private sector participation, noting that sustainable infrastructure financing can only be achieved through an enabling environment that guarantees investor confidence and reasonable returns on investment. The conference brought together top government officials, policymakers, development experts, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening infrastructure delivery and promoting sustainable national development through innovation, technology, and collaborative partnerships. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Information and Public Relations 21st May,2026 ...

May

2026

*FG COMMITS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH MAJOR CONTRACT AGREEMENTS — UMAHI* The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows: 1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, 2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States, 3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and 4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States. Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated. The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country. Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation. He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery. Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows: 1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00 Length: 122 Kilometres 2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited, Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77 Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) 3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90 Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and 4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93 Length: 73 Kilometres All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide. The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development. ...

May

2026

FG SIGNS MoU AGREEMENTS ON LEGACY ROAD PROJECTS WITH MESSRS HITECH AND INFIOUEST UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU’S INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL AGENDA The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between it and two (2) construction companies — Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited — as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s ongoing legacy road projects across the country. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Works, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and representatives of the contracting firms led by their Managing Directors. Speaking during the event, the Minister, H. E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE described the occasion as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. According to the Minister, many people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality. “These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” he stated. The Minister also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in transforming campaign promises into tangible developmental projects across the nation. He appealed to the people of the South-East and the South, generally, to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, describing the people of the zone as “ a people of wisdom.” The Minister commended the Contractors handling the four (4) Legacy Road Projects for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines. He noted that despite initial criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Nigerians are now witnessing its immense economic value and engineering excellence. “When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” the Minister opined. Engr. Umahi revealed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway (Trans- Saharan Route) spans from the Ebonyi State Border -Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa States, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State, and Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway goes through Akwa Ibom State. Work is progressing steadily on the other sections in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. He explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway traverses extremely difficult terrain, with over 70 percent of the route located in deep swampy soil requiring extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement works. “This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he added. The Minister further disclosed that the average cost per kilometre for the standard dual carriageway remains competitive despite the complex engineering requirements, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, culverts, and other road architecture. Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Minister stated that the project demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones of the country. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality in all road projects, stressing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would not be subject to arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances. Senator Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while the remaining would be sourced through a structured funding arrangement. He added that the roads upon completion would eventually be tolled to guarantee sustainability and return on investment. The Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within and even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline. “Hightech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards, even better than what has already been achieved on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” he stated. He added that the company is eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the completed Section I in Lagos State, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality, speed, and excellence. The Ministry reassured its determination to continue delivering durable and economically beneficial road projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR. The Minister used a popular proverb to encourage appreciation for hard work and dedication, saying: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.” The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan described the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape and commended the Minister for his leadership and dedication to repositioning the road sector. The Agreements were signed by the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry, while the Managing Directors signed for their respective contracting companies. They include; 1. Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II: Ebonyi State Border - Benue - Kogi - Nasarawa States 2. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV: Oyo State 3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 5: Akwa Ibom State and 4. Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section 2: Gombe - Biu. “What we are doing today represents the President’s commitment to changing the face of infrastructure in Nigeria. Since the coming of the Minister, the road sector has witnessed tremendous transformation, and we are confident that these projects will be delivered within the stipulated timelines,” he stated. Also speaking during the event was the Director, Highways, Bridges, and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, who oversees the Legacy Road Projects, stated that the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategic infrastructure development programme, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR. He disclosed that the agreements signed cover a new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State, spanning approximately 82.8 kilometres of Dual Carriageway; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway covering about 180 kilometres; and the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor covering approximately 125 kilometres. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2023

Minister of Works, Umahi Appoints Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji as Chief Press Secretary.

Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Former Commissioner for Information, Ebonyi State, has been appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. The appointment takes immediate effect. He was Deputy Director Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Sub Committee on CSOs 2023. Director, Directorate of Information, Divine Mandate Campaign Council, 2023.

Orji Uchenna Orji Francis was born 3rd February 1976. He hails from Amaedim Ngwogwo, village, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He is happily married to Mrs Ijeoma Sylvia Orji and the union is blessed with 6 adorable children. The trained articulate Lawyer never hesitates to announce that his Next of Kin is his wife.

SPEECHES

Dec

2022

“Mind, Mindset And State Of Mind”, Being The Text Of A Lecture Delivered By Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON At The 11th Convocation Ceremony Of The Veritas University, Abuja On The 3rd Day Of December, 2022

When Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah called to ask me if I would be disposed to give this year’s convocation lecture, I enthusiastically agreed.

The reason is not far-fetched. A convocation ceremony in a university is a milestone of success. A success that reckons the end of a very important task and the beginning of yet another.

As you all very well know, success has many fathers and I am glad to be a part of your success.

To the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, members of the academic and non-academic staff, to the parents and guardians, and of course our graduands, their families and their friends whose success we convoke to formalize and celebrate, please accept my sincere and very hearty congratulations.

When the Vice Chancellor, Reverend Father H.E Ichoku formalized my invitation by his letter of 7th October 2022 he said and I quote:

“… you are at liberty to speak on any topic that prepares our graduates for the future and also leaves a long-lasting impression in their minds.”

That certainly is not an easy task, to prepare you for the future and leave a long-lasting impression on you.

Your parents, guardians and lecturers have been doing that for years. The success we commemorate today is proof that they have done a good job. But I will attempt to make a modest contribution to their effort.

I can think of no better place to start than to take you back in time, to share two of my own personal experiences with you; in 1987, thirty-five years ago, when I graduated from the University of Benin; and in 1988, thirty-four years ago, when I graduated from the Nigerian Law School.

The first experience was as I said just after graduation from the University of Benin and in the period between graduation and the wait for NYSC call up letter.

I felt really good, as many of you must feel today. My sister then invited me to accompany her to a party hosted by her fiancé’s friend and as a big sister, she was also very proud to show me off.

In the course of the event, I met a couple of her fiancé’s friends and chatted with them. And every time they asked what I was doing, I was clearly too young to be one of them, so they asked the normal adult to young person question: “What are you doing now?”

My reply was, I have just finished, and it came with a big chip on my shoulder. What you would probably call “swag” today.

This is because I was waiting for the follow up question: “What have you finished?”

And every time any of my elder inquisitors asked me, what have you finished? I would eagerly blurt out “I have just finished university,” and off I went, and if there was a follow-up, I eagerly responded by saying I graduated in Law with a Second-Class Lower Division.

By my own standards, this was a great achievement, because I did not like school. I was enjoying myself and going through the same question and answer routine with my older inquisitors until I met one who stopped me dead in my tracks, burst my bubble, and brought me down to earth.

He simply said: “You have not finished anything young man. You have not even started.”

He left an unforgettable impression on me. I was not angry, I was challenged.

The second story is much shorter. It derives from the speech delivered by the Chairman of the Body of Benchers at our call to bar. What has stayed with me from that speech till today, which I want to share with you, is about self-discipline.

The speaker reminded us that from birth till that day that we had been under what he called imposed discipline as many of you have been; discipline imposed by our parents, guardians, teachers and lecturers.

I recall him saying that this was the most easy form of discipline we will come by because we did not control it.

On that night, he then told us that we have been relieved from that imposed discipline and that what would make the difference in our lives is the amount of self-discipline we can impose on ourselves and this was a matter of choice.

Self-discipline will teach you preparation and planning that will give you an edge over the competition.

It will teach you time keeping that will earn you respect and build you a reputation of reliability.

I have chosen to share these two messages with all of you because your Vice Chancellor has challenged me to help prepare you for the future and leave an impression on you.

My two stories had both effects on me; they prepared me for today and have remained with me. I hope you find them useful.

This then takes me to my next message to you which is that although you are graduating today, your education is not over or finished. It is just about to start.

Between the time you entered this school and now, the world in which you will operate has changed in many ways, not the least by a global pandemic of yet undetermined origins and by a war of choice, which is having global ramifications beyond the immediate theatre of war.

Therefore, you must continue to learn more about your world, your country and yourself in order to better appreciate your role, and more importantly your responsibility.

I speak of responsibility because it is an important reason why you passed through this institution. Many years ago, this institution did not exist. But it has been brought about by the decision of men and women who were once graduates like yourselves and perhaps some who did not have a university education.

They became adults as you will become, and took responsibility to create this school, where your young minds can be shaped and moulded in readiness for the world you are about to experience.

Your first responsibility it seems to me, is to this school.

You will become members of the Alumni Association, and yes, you will soon start families and have children, and this is the reason why you owe a responsibility to this school and to yourselves to ensure that its standards are not just maintained but are improved upon.

I foresee without requiring a crystal ball that within about two decades from now, you will be looking for universities for your children, will this school still be good enough a choice for your children? That is a matter of responsibility.

I foresee again without a crystal ball that within about two decades from now, some of you will be leaders of our corporate spaces in the private sector, leaders of our government institutions and leaders and managers of our educational, health, security and critical institutions.

What kind of Nigeria do you see today and what kind of Nigeria do you think you will manage and bequeath to the next generation - your children?

The answer to that question depends on your mind, your mindset or state of mind.

This is the subject I have chosen to speak to you all about: Your mind, your mindset and your state of mind.

By this I refer to your capacity for awareness; your established set of attitudes, and your cognitive processes.

Let me start by making some disclosures to you. All my education was in Nigeria, I have seen a difficult and not so difficult Nigeria. In all of it, my belief in this country and its promise has never changed. Nigeria remains for me a home, a place to treasure, to nurture and to protect.

My state of mind is not to take flight to another man’s land and from there pour scorn and hate on the place of my birth. My state of mind tells me to offer my skills and deploy my energies towards improving the place I call home.

My mindset is such that I believe that my contributions can improve something even if it does not improve everything. My mindset tells me that greatness is not an event, it is a process to which we all have contributions to make.

I have often marvelled at the mindset of those who take flight and when they fall upon difficult times then reach back to the place they deserted in search of relief, help or succour.

Please do not misunderstand me, they deserve every help we can offer, but what I marvel at is the mindset that seeks help from the place they deserted.

My message to you is to invite you to focus your minds, develop a mindset and maintain a state of mind that in every aspect of life that you believe Nigeria can do better, and that there are inherent opportunities to surpass any challenges that you may see.

This is a mindset of positivity, a state of mind that is hopeful and a mind that refuses to surrender to negativity.

Talk is certainly cheap. The easiest thing to do is to identify what does not work, and as one person famously said: “the job looks easy when you’re not the one doing it”.

However, talk does not fix broken things; it is a mindset of responsibility to change things that make things better.

A mindset of self-pity is something you must turn your back on and take responsibility for the kind of Nigeria you wish for.

At a press conference given after a football match, a coach was asked why his team lost. His response was that they did not lose; on the contrary, he said his team ran out of time.

This is a mindset of positivity ingrained in their people and their sportsmen that nobody is better than them. It is one that I commend to you all, because it is true. Nobody is better than any of you.

The only thing that can limit you is your mind, your mindset, and your state of mind. Are you ready to settle for less when you can have more?

Are you ready to manage bad services when you can insist the quality should be improved?

There are a legion of examples that have held back our people from generation to generation, please do not subscribe to them.

An example is the one that blames our situation and developmental status on colonialism; the amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Lugard and so on and so forth, 62 years after.

Please quote me that I said that it is not the fact of colonialism that has held us back; rather it is our mindset.

I see it in the most basic of things, such as when we want to register businesses, they must bear foreign names for us to feel good. It is the mindset that we must change.

I see that we have now appropriated a foreign culture called Black Friday. And we are now verbally heating ourselves up about whether sales were as much as most of other lands.

I think that the question we must ask is what Black Friday has to do with us, when we do not celebrate Thanksgiving.

Yes, we shop for Christmas in Ikeja, Dawanu, Wuse, Oyingbo, Uselu and other markets but not in the Black Friday way.

The use of our local names projects our identity and preserves our culture from generation to generation.

The names of our villages, cities and our individual names are as good as any name from anywhere.

You do not need anybody to validate you. You are an original.

Please tell the apologists of colonial heritage that the USA, UAE and China were once colonies that have become either better or as competitive as those who colonized them.

It is a positive mindset that enables you to understand that those who colonized you are approaching the peak of their development while ours is still fledging.

We have much more scope for development, the opportunity to leapfrog and the limitless capacity to be better.

The future should not therefore be defined or held back by the past.

Our minds, your minds, our mindset, your mindset and our state of mind, and your state of mind are the unshakeable pillars upon which that future will be built.

Think of it this way; the world listens to our music, watches our movies, uses our sportsmen and women, recruits our personnel across many fields of human endeavour and eats our food.

Clearly my mind tells me that there is inherent value and goodness in all of these contrary to the view that our continent is the dark continent.

I have no doubt that the world will drive our cars, use our laptops, telephones, airplanes, and much more, when we decide to make them.

To all our dear graduates, I offer commendation once again for what you have achieved here, but please remember that you have NOT finished.

Indeed, you are just about to start. As you do so, I urge you to be ambitious and audacious, nothing can limit you, except your mind, your mindset and your state of mind.

Unshackle your minds and reach for the stars and beyond.

Congratulations.