Ohanaeze Ndigbo picks Umahi as 2024 Igbo Man of the Year

The Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sunday announced that the former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has been selected as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that after critical evaluation and independent assessment of public officeholders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Umahi was chosen as Igbo Man of the Year, surpassing the likes of Hope Uzodinma, Benjamin Kalu, and others.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for being the first president to remember Ndigbo, adding that his administration’s impactful recognition of the Southeastern region marks a landmark shift not seen in the 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

Isiguzoro noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous model of evaluation on critical areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, solutions to insecurity, democratic inclusiveness, and historical and current antecedents, with Umahi standing tall among others.

Isiguzoro further stated that Ohanaeze extends its commendation to Governors Peter Mba and Francis Nwaifuru of Enugu and Ebonyi states, who exhibited exemplary governance by allowing their elected local chairmen full access to the benefits that stem from local government autonomy, promoting transparency and accountability.

The statement read: “The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to express its unequivocal admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration’s impactful recognition of the Southeastern region marks a landmark shift not witnessed in 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

“His commitment to massive infrastructure development throughout the Southeast, largely orchestrated by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, positions the region for a future that is decidedly more prosperous and hopeful.

“In our thorough and independent assessment of public officeholders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous model of evaluation. This new set of ‘Igbo Performance Perimeters and Indexes’ provided a transparent and quantifiable means to hold public officials accountable.

“In our comprehensive report, we proudly announce Senator Dave Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year. His accomplishments as Minister of Works have been nothing short of extraordinary. From revitalizing dilapidated federal roads to creating innovative job opportunities via groundbreaking cement technology.

“Umahi has delivered tangible benefits to the people. Notably, his effective strategies in fostering development have addressed longstanding security concerns on major highways, helping to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the region.

“The acknowledgment of Umahi’s pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious relationship between the Southeast and the Federal Government, especially highlighted by his efforts to prevent regional participation in national protests, is commendable.

“This has fostered an environment conducive to collaborative governance—an important disposition for a polarized nation. Consequently, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu stands as the second-best performer among National Assembly members, solidifying the significance of a concerted Igbo political strategy going forward.”