Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi, has been described as a trailblazer, an asset to Nigeria and an example for others in leadership positions at all levels to emulate.

A grassroots NGO, the David Umahi Nweze Akubaraoha Ebonyi Transformation Agenda (DUNAETA), stated this while reacting to Umahi’s emergence as this year’s winner of the coveted Zik’s Prize for Leadership.

DUNAETA in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday described Umahi as a worthy recipient of the prize conferred on him amid fanfare on June 4, 2017 as the modern Zik.

According to the statement signed by DUNAETA Founder and President, Lady Monica Ada Chidinma Eze, “Governor Umahi eminently deserves the Zik Prize considering his unprecedented feats within two years in office as the Governor of Ebonyi State, which has given hope, not only to the South Easterners but to the entire Nigeria that leadership that can take her out of her present wood and predicament is still possible.”

DUNAETA described Governor Umahi, who doubles as the Chairman of South East Governors Forum, as “an asset to our generation,” adding that “the Zik Prize awarded to him is well deserved in view of his massive investments in security, welfare, infrastructure, agriculture, health and education in Ebonyi State.

“Through Engr. Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State seen in the past as the most backward and undeveloped State in South Eastern Nigeria, has come to acquire a new reputation as the most progressing and progressive state in the region. Umahi’s focus and passion have brought unprecedented transformation and development in all sectors of Ebonyi State. Based on his track record, Umahi has proved himself worthy of being regarded as a reincarnation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was in his life time called The Great Zik of Africa.”

DUNAETA thanked former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for affirming the feeling and position of Ebonyians when he stated during the Zik Prize ceremony that “Governor Umahi is a true Nigerian; His zeal, energy and character is a true test of a leader. I have seen his exploits and the speed to which he wants to develop Ebonyi.”

DUNETA, Lady Eze said, “believes that with this award, Governor Umahi will be motivated to do more for Ebonyians. We wish him many more awards and recognitions worthy of his stellar performance and appeal to all Ebonyians to rally round him to enable him do even more for our sear State and Country, Nigeria.”