The world has always run on an immutable order one generation works tirelessly while the next reaps the harvest, for good or for ill. Humanity lives in a perpetual cycle of seedtime and harvest. Yesterday’s labour becomes today’s foundation, and today’s effort becomes tomorrow’s blessing.
With this truth in mind, I joined the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to inspect the ongoing construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road. Our journey took us through Akwa Ibom and onward to Calabar. It was a weighty delegation senators, members of the House of Representatives, the SSA to the President on Community Engagements, and from my end, a seasoned ADC leader Dr Kanti Uthman, an AA leader Egnr Zubairu Musa, and a representative of The Alternative Movement Arc Daniel Okpanachi. The Ministry of Works arrived with its media team, and at every stop we were met by Hitech and other contractors fully engaged in their tasks.
What we encountered in Uyo was nothing short of extraordinary. The sheer magnitude of overburden clearance, the meticulous alignment demarcations, the towering ridges these alone could humble any observer. The site pulsed with purposeful energy: machines humming, metal clanking, all in such synchrony that it seemed as though men and machines were guided by one spirit. The Hitech team lead orchestrated operations like a choirmaster conducting a seasoned symphony. It was beautiful to witness.
As we travelled toward Calabar through Ikot Ekpene, the Minister inspected several other ongoing works, stopping numerous times to issue instructions and demand higher standards. Some supervisors were directed to relocate permanently to site to capitalize on the dry weather. Others received firm corrections over lapses in oversight. Diagrams were constantly consulted to ensure that what was agreed was exactly what was being executed.
At one site, I witnessed a decisive moment of executive leadership. The Minister declared:
“I hereby terminate this contract and reassign it to another company with immediate effect. The current contractor cannot deliver the required standard. They will be compensated accordingly and given a less demanding project.”
I watched the contractor’s face fall, and though I felt a pang of sympathy, I knew the truth: Nigeria cannot afford delays in closing its infrastructural gaps.
Throughout our journey, we encountered difficult terrains under construction, and I observed how deeply the comfort of road users was considered palliatives, diversions, and remedial measures were ordered to ease passage while work continues day and night.
More than ten times, as we saw these things, my heart whispered prayers:
“Oh Lord of our fathers and mothers, grant us resources. Grant all involved clarity, safety, and strength. Turn difficulties into ease, O Sovereign of the worlds.”
When we finally reached the Calabar section and saw the concrete pavement already laid, my heart burst with joy. Smiles lit every face. The reality dawned on all of us: we are on track. We saw the beginning, the middle, and now the emerging end.
I searched my spirit for a song and softly sang:
“We can see everything turning around… turning around for Nigeria.”
The APC members, led by Dave Umahi, chorused:
“On your mandate we shall stand!”
I was quietly happy jealous in a good way but my mind was focused on the magnificence of what was unfolding before our eyes.
I thanked the President for his boldness of vision.
I thanked Minister Dave Umahi for his relentless supervision.
And I thanked God on behalf of all Nigerians.
For generations, we benefitted from the works of Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Azikiwe. We witnessed the infrastructural contributions of Obasanjo, Babangida, and even Abacha. Now, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering something the next generation will look back on with gratitude something vast, defining, and transformative. A true game-changer. A powerful growth pole for the future.
Nigeria will not remain the same when this project is completed. The sun will shine again. We are already seeing the breaking of a new dawn one where no nation will dismiss or disrespect us casually.
My mind drifted back to Quito, Ecuador, where in 1996 I stood at the centre of the earth and wept to the Creator:
“Others are progressing. What about Nigeria? What about Africa? Lift us also, Lord, that Your judgment may be just.”
We were not placed here to sit idle while others soar.
Now I can see clearly: if we focus, if we believe in ourselves, if we silence self-hate, we are truly on the right path.
And so I say:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akanbi, Omo Olode Ide, be encouraged.
Press forward with firmness and courage.
Government must not be timid.
This vision will stand.
This legacy will endure.
And Nigeria will rise.
Thank you.
Otunba Segun Showunmi is convener of The Alternative
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