By Francis Nwaze

The immediate past Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, HE Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Sunday delivered a stirring, deeply address in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, during the official flag off of the C.Saga Charity Organization Foundation and commissioning of completed projects by the foundation.

Speaking with the experience of a man who has seen power, conflict, loyalty, and legacy up close, Umahi reminded the crowd of a simple but hard truth: peace is not optional. It is the foundation of everything.

“Without peace in a state, there will be no development,” he declared.

Umahi said he was delighted to be back in Ebonyi, first to join the Governor during a thanksgiving service, and then to witness what he described as “a life of destiny” unfolding through the charity initiative being launched in Ikwo land. According to him, Ebonyi people have every reason to thank God, not just for progress, but for stability.

Drawing a biblical parallel that resonated strongly with the audience, Umahi described the current Governor as “the Solomon of our time.”

“David fought all the battles. Solomon fought none,” he said pointedly. “That is his case.”

The former governor did not shy away from his own past. He said he had no regrets about the many political battles he fought while in office, describing them as part of his nature.

“If you touch my in-law, I will fight again,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. “And yes, the Governor is my in-law. That is a very dangerous combination.”

But beyond the jokes was a serious message. Umahi spoke passionately about gratitude, warning that ingratitude remains one of the invisible chains holding Ebonyi State down.

“Part of what is keeping Ebonyi State in poverty is ingratitude,” he said. “Whether we like it or not, spiritual laws are real. There is a pattern for success, and there is a pattern for failure. You choose which one to follow. Whatever a man sows, that he will reap.”

Turning his focus to the founder of the C.Saga Charity Organization Foundation, Architect Christian Nwali, Ph.D, Umahi recounted how the he was first introduced to him by his former deputy governor. What struck him most, he said, was not ambition alone, but character.

“He wanted to be local government chairman. It was as if the world would end if that did not happen,” Umahi recalled. “But I looked at him and said, no. There is something else in you.”

Instead, Umahi gave him jobs, observed him closely, and discovered what he described as a rare blend of honesty, technical skill, loyalty, and commitment to friendship.

He spoke of shared experiences, including trips abroad, where ideas were studied, adapted, and eventually transformed into landmark projects in Ebonyi State.

“Who will know that we went to Dubai and we stayed in Dubai, we were going up and down like ma.d people, we were copying the Dubai mall, two of us and then we produce a microcosm of the macrocosm of Dubai mall in Ebonyi State.

Who would know that the ecumenical center, that two of us did it, the airport, the university. But the
point remains that it was all about the anointing of God. None of us can take credit of any of them.”

He described the foundation’s founder as a worthy son of Ebonyi State and publicly commended him to the Governor, urging that his growth in business and governance be encouraged.

“When you see a man who fears God, who builds for God, who gives to the poor, who is honest, respectful, grateful, and committed,” Umahi said, “that man is dangerous.”

He cautioned those fighting him from within Ikwo and on social media to tread carefully. “And so I want to warn those who are fighting him from the village, be very careful.

“This man carries the audacity of God’s mercy and grace,” he warned. “It is not by power. It is not by might. It is by the Spirit of God. What God says will be will be.”

Francis Nwaze
December 22, 2025