By Becky Momodu
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has been conferred with the traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council in Plateau State.
The honour was bestowed on the minister on Thursday during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road in Kanke Local Government Area.
Conferring the title, the Chairman of the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council and Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit, said the honour was in recognition of Umahi’s commitment to infrastructure development and his role in facilitating the road project under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The monarch described the minister as a trusted friend of the Ngas people and formally welcomed him into the Ngas nation.
“You come to Ngasland not as a stranger, but as an honoured ally. In appreciation of your role in flagging off this landmark project, I am honoured to confer on you the prestigious traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas),” the royal father said.
Responding, Umahi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for the honour, describing it as unexpected and deeply appreciated.
He also praised the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, describing him as an energetic and committed leader.
“I thank you for the honour done to me. Your son, now my brother, is very energetic and divine, the man that will deliver Mr. President come 2027,” Umahi said.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, commended the minister’s performance, describing him as one of the administration’s most outstanding public officials.
“You are constructing thousands of roads across Nigeria. It has never happened before. You are the signature boy of Mr. President,” Yilwatda said.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also hailed Umahi, describing him as one of the brightest performers in President Tinubu’s administration.
He said the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road project would stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity across communities.
“This road is not just a road; it is an opening of opportunities. It is a transit route to greater possibilities,” the governor said.
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong, also commended President Tinubu for introducing concrete pavement technology on major federal highways and praised Umahi for driving the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
Lalong described the minister as “Mr. Magic,” saying the transformation in Nigeria’s road infrastructure under his leadership had earned widespread admiration.
The rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road is one of the federal road projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve connectivity and boost economic development in Plateau State.