The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has been conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development and the execution of key federal road projects in Plateau State.
According to an official statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze, the honour was bestowed on the Minister during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The traditional title was conferred by the Chairman of the Pankshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Rulers Council and Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit, who described Senator Umahi as a trusted friend of the Ngas people and commended his commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
While presenting the honour, the royal father welcomed the Minister into the Ngas nation, saying, “You come to Ngasland not as a stranger, but as an honoured ally. In recognition of your role in flagging off this landmark project within my Chiefdom, I am honoured to confer on you the prestigious Traditional Title of Ngorog Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas).” He further declared that Senator Umahi had become a son of the Ngas people.
Responding, Senator Umahi expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for the honour, describing it as a privilege he would always cherish. He also praised the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, describing him as an energetic and divinely inspired leader committed to the success of President Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman lauded the Minister’s performance, describing him as one of the administration’s most outstanding public officials.
“My brother, my friend, the workaholic Minister, the man that has made the difference in infrastructure transformation in Nigeria, you are constructing thousands of roads across Nigeria. It has never happened before. You have done what is incredible. You are President Tinubu’s signature boy,” Professor Yilwatda said.
He added that Senator Umahi had justified the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu and had demonstrated exceptional leadership in transforming the nation’s road infrastructure.
Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, also commended the Minister, describing him as one of the brightest performers in the Federal Executive Council.
The governor said the Babban Lamba–Sharam (Phase II) Road project would stimulate economic activities, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for the people of Plateau State and neighbouring communities.
“This road we are flagging off today is not just a road; it is an opening of opportunities. It is an opportunity for networking and a transit route to greater possibilities,” Governor Mutfwang said.
He thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and reaffirmed Plateau State’s support for the President’s administration.
Also speaking, former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, applauded the Federal Government’s adoption of concrete pavement technology on major highways and commended Senator Umahi for driving what he described as a revolution in Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
Describing the Minister as “Mr. Magic,” Senator Lalong said the visible transformation of federal roads across the country had earned him widespread admiration, adding that the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road project and other ongoing highway developments would significantly enhance economic growth and regional connectivity.
