Odita Sunday 
FG Flags Off Plateau Road Rehabilitation as Umahi Receives Ngas Chieftaincy Title
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has inaugurated Phase II of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State, reaffirming its commitment to expanding critical infrastructure aimed at boosting economic growth, improving regional connectivity and accelerating national development. The flag-off ceremony also saw the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, honoured with the traditional title of Ngorot Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) by the Ngas traditional institution.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, who said the 38.625-kilometre road project forms part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the project as a strategic investment that would stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, promote tourism and cultural exchange, and strengthen regional integration.
According to him, the road is of immense national importance as it links the North Central, North East, South East and, by extension, the South-South geopolitical zones. He urged the contractor, Messrs Decency Associates (Nigeria) Limited, to ensure timely completion of the project while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Professor Yilwatda also highlighted the historical significance of the area as the birthplace of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the late Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State, Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk. He appealed to the contractor to prioritise the employment of indigenes living along the project corridor throughout the construction period.
He assured Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State that he would personally convey their appreciation to President Tinubu, adding that he was particularly pleased to witness the rehabilitation of a road that had remained in poor condition since 1975.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, expressed gratitude to the Ngas people for conferring the prestigious traditional title on him, saying the honour had made him a son of the soil.
He pledged to give the road project special attention until its successful completion.
Umahi also highlighted achievements recorded in the road sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that his ministry remains open to constructive criticism and accountable to Nigerians. While welcoming objective public scrutiny, he cautioned against unfounded attacks, noting that genuine criticism helps improve governance and service delivery.
The minister described the administration’s four Legacy Road Projects as transformative investments capable of driving economic prosperity, saying they represent bold initiatives never before undertaken by previous administrations. He maintained that no region of the country could claim marginalisation in road and bridge infrastructure, insisting that President Tinubu remains committed to equitable development across Nigeria.
Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for prioritising critical road infrastructure, describing the project as a landmark intervention that would enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and unlock fresh investment opportunities across the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, pledged continued legislative support through adequate funding and effective oversight of road projects nationwide. Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Sen. Simon Lalong, also applauded the Federal Government for extending major infrastructure projects to the North Central region and assured the administration of the people’s continued support.
At the ceremony, the paramount ruler of Ngas land, Ngolong Ngas, His Majesty Nde Jika, formally conferred the title of Ngorot Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) on Umahi in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development within the area.
The Babban Lamba–Sharam Road Phase II covers 38.625 kilometres from Babban-Dungun Village to Sharam, with an additional two-kilometre spur linking Dungun to Kwai, and is expected to improve transportation, commerce and socio-economic activities across Plateau State and neighbouring regions.
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