Igbo Stakeholders Laud Tinubu, Umahi Over Reconstruction of Historic Umuwanwa Bridge, Announce 2026 Asiwaju Summit

The Abia State Chapter of the NdIgbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Nweze Umahi, for the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Umuwanwa Bridge in Abia State, describing the project as a significant milestone in addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits in the Southeast.

The commendation formed part of resolutions reached during the State Executive Committee meeting of the group held at the Bishop Nwedo Pastoral Centre in Umuahia on Saturday.

The meeting, chaired by the State Chairman of NDI-ABAT, Ambassador Nwaogazi Young Nwankwo, brought together state executives and local government coordinators from across Abia State to deliberate on issues of infrastructure development, political participation, and regional engagement.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the forum praised President Tinubu’s administration for what it described as sustained commitment to infrastructural renewal and inclusive national development, particularly in the Southeast region.

The group highlighted ongoing federal road projects, including the rehabilitation of sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, especially the Aba–Port Harcourt corridor, as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure across the region.

Of particular significance, the forum applauded the Federal Government’s approval for the reconstruction of the Umuwanwa Ancient Bridge in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. The bridge was destroyed during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 and has remained unreconstructed for nearly six decades.

According to the group, the project represents a historic intervention that will improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities, and address a longstanding infrastructural challenge affecting communities in the area.

The forum also reserved special commendation for Senator Dave Umahi, describing his leadership in the Ministry of Works as instrumental in advancing critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria and the Southeast in particular.

On civic participation, NDI-ABAT urged eligible Nigerians, especially newly registered voters, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process. The group emphasized the importance of voter mobilisation and grassroots engagement across the 17 local government areas of Abia State.

Addressing political developments ahead of the 2027 elections, the forum clarified that it has not endorsed any aspirant for the Abia State governorship race. It stated that any future endorsement would be guided by directives from the national leadership of the organisation and relevant political structures within the Southeast.

The meeting also announced plans for the 2026 Asiwaju Summit, scheduled to hold in Enugu in July 2026. According to the forum, the summit will serve as a platform for policy engagement and public presentation of developmental projects executed under the Tinubu administration across the Southeast.

Speaking on behalf of the National Coordination Office, the National Treasurer of NDI-ABAT, Prince Engr. Uzoma Amaechi, described the summit as a legacy initiative aimed at promoting accountability, policy awareness, and deeper political integration within the region.

He noted that the event would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to assess federal projects and discuss pathways for strengthening the Southeast’s participation in national development.

The forum further called on Ndi Igbo to adopt a strategic approach to future political engagements in order to enhance regional influence and secure greater developmental opportunities at the federal level.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, democratic participation, and sustained advocacy for infrastructural and economic development across the Southeast and Nigeria as a whole.

NDI-ABAT reaffirmed its position as a platform dedicated to constructive dialogue, civic engagement, and support for policies it believes will advance national development and regional inclusion.

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