Thisday Newspaper has awarded the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi , the “THISDAY Editor’s Choice Minister of the Decade” amongst the 43 Ministers that are currently serving under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration alongside former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who was also awarded the “People’s Choice Minister of the decade”.
The THISDAY award was to commemorate with its 25th anniversary as a Print media which also follows with various nominations that include; ‘Company of the Decade, Brand of the Decade, Bank of the Decade, Banker of the Decade, Person of the Decade, CEO of the Decade, Entrepreneur of the Decade, Woman of the Decade, Philanthropist of the Decade, Institution of the Decade, Governor of the Decade and Minister of the Decade’.
Classifying the awards, according to the organizer, the Editor’s Choice Awards were given based on the strength of industry, knowledge and professional advice while the People’s Choices were based on readers’ votes and perceptions.
While justifying the award given to Amaechi by the Awardee, they affirmed that it is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s unreserved faith in him by appointing him a second time as the Hon. Minister of Transportation and a testament to his drive and commitment to give Nigerians a better travelling experience by supereintending over the Buhari administration’s efforts to reviving the ailing and almost moribund railway system in the country.
Amaechi’ efforts in the Transportation Ministry no doubt, has led to the resuscitation of the ongoing projects in the Railway Sectors, some of which are the Abuja-Kaduna rail project, Lagos-Ibadan standard rail line, Itakpe-Warri rail line and the Lagos-Kano rail line which contracts have been signed and it is expected to link the Country’s Eastern and Northern corridors when completed.
Under his watch,the water transportation system is also receiving commendable attention.
Receiving the award, Amaechi said that he was not expecting the award because he and the THISDAY boss always disagree more than they agree.
However, he dedicated the award to his family and Mr. President for giving much importance to the development of infrastructure in the country.
“All my colleagues will agree with me that we have been getting the attention of the President as far as infrastructure is concerned in this Country”.
“I dedicate this award to my lovely Wife and my children, for the simple reason that my wife got married to me when I was in politics and has tolerated me for the rest of her life and she’s being very understanding together with the kids”.
“I also dedicate this award to the President for the importance he attached to infrastructure and also to all Nigerians,” he said.
However, presenting the award to Amaechi, National Chairman of APC , comrade Adams Oshiomhole said that Amaechi deserves the award for his impact in the development of railway in the country.
“For me you are a pride in our party and your impact in the rail sector, for me, I know people ride the train from Abuja-Kaduna and Kaduna-Abuja and I know Amaechi is determined before the end of his tenure to complete Lagos to Kano.
” I congratulate you for this award which I know you richly deserved”.
