The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”

At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”

Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state

In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.

He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.

“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”

Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability

Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.

Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.

“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”

Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.

Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs

Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.

Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.

Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.

Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.

“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.

Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions

Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.

Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.

“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.

Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.

The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.

According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.

He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.

“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.

He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”

Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, President of the Institute of Personality Development & Customer Relationship Management (IPDCRM), has announced the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference and Awards, set to take place at Lead City University, Ibadan.

Themed “Investment in Leadership Education and Personality Development: A Valuable Asset, Timely Rescue Anchor, in a Depressed Economy,” the conference will bring together some of Nigeria’s and the world’s leading voices in leadership, innovation, and policy to address economic challenges through strategic development.

Inspiring Leadership for Economic Resurgence

As Nigeria faces the ongoing complexities of a depressed economy, the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference will serve as a transformative event. It will convene policymakers, corporate executives, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the powerful role of leadership education and personality development in driving economic recovery.

The programme includes keynote speakers, prominent presenters, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at using human capital to foster productivity, sustainable growth, and innovation.

Corporate Charisma Awards: Honouring Organizational Excellence

A key highlight of the conference will be the Corporate Charisma Awards (CCA), designed to celebrate organisations that excel in sustainable development. Recognising businesses with a strategic vision for customer loyalty, innovation, and growth, IPDCRM’s awards programme evaluates nominees through its Organisational Performance Profile (OPP) and Grand Analytics Method (GAM), a rigorous data-driven model.

These awards aim to establish a prestigious “C500” list, a “Fortune 500” of Nigeria, celebrating organisations that inspire national pride, community recognition, and economic impact. Among this year’s honorees are The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Bellagio Airlines, recognised for their people-centered and impactful business models.

Induction Ceremony for New Members

The 2024 conference will also feature an induction ceremony for new IPDCRM members, each of whom has demonstrated excellence in personality development, customer relationship management, and leadership education. This cohort will join a growing network of professionals dedicated to fostering economic resilience and promoting growth through transformative leadership.

Collaborations, Networking, and Youth Empowerment

Beyond its awards and induction, the event will serve as a hub for strategic collaborations across industries, reinforcing the value of leadership education in economic resilience. A focus on youth empowerment will take center stage, with panel discussions dedicated to equipping the next generation with the leadership skills essential for navigating today’s economic challenges. The conference aims to emphasise the long-term return on investment in leadership education—not only for individuals but for corporate entities and national growth.

Exhibition of Leadership Innovation

An exhibition at the event will showcase the latest in leadership training and personality development tools, offering participants insight into innovative strategies for strengthening both individual and organisational resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

A Call to Action for Economic Recovery

The 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference serves as a call to action, urging leaders across sectors to recognise leadership education and personality development as vital assets for economic revitalization. Dr. Ayobami Owolabi emphasises that IPDCRM is committed to fostering a new generation of visionary leaders equipped to drive Nigeria forward.

For more information or to register, contact:

Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, FPD-CR
President, IPDCRM
Tel: 08033237874
Email: ayowolabi2002@yahoo.co.uk