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Chaired by intrepid, sharply-focused Abu Inu-Umoru, Setraco turns 47
By Sufuyan Ojeifo.
It’s a given that great organisations need strong, visionary, and disciplined leadership to grow and progress in a highly competitive world that is increasingly buffeted and disrupted by ever more aggressive changes. Cut to the bone, this is the story of the 47-year-old construction giant, Setraco Nigeria Ltd., SNL, and its reticent, unpretentious Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Abu Inu-Umoru.
Setraco Nigeria Limited is a leading civil engineering construction company established on August 24, 1977. It set sail as a small but disciplined entity working mainly as a subcontractor. It would thereafter handle the building and rehabilitation of rural roads. Today, 47 years after, it has morphed into a civil engineering behemoth in Nigeria, specialising in construction of roads, bridges, real estate development, flood/erosion control, delivering value-added civil and infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
With a presence today in over 20 states, Setraco has played a key role in developing Nigeria’s infrastructure. Significantly, the behemoth ensures that all projects are timeously and successfully completed to specification and in line with the company’s sense of responsibility towards preservation of both the environment and the way of life of the local communities.
According to its circumspect chairman, Chief (Dr.) Abu Inu-Umoru, “We exist to meet the aspirations of our customers and respond to them creatively and competitively with modern designed construction techniques and engineering services to raise the quality of life.”
In further elaboration, Dr. Inu-Umoru posits: “We believe that success requires the highest standards of corporate behaviour towards our employees, customers, and the society in which we operate. To achieve these objectives, we depend on our resources, planning, project organisation, quality assurance, H.S.E. Policy, Community Development, and Staffing Policy.”
For emphasis, he states that their principles and policies have helped the company grow steadily over the past 40 years in Nigeria with a reputation as a leading construction company delivering any civil engineering project on schedule and with utmost quality. “Our management strives to constantly improve as our experience grows,” Setraco’s elated chairman posits.
Indisputably, this footing has undergirded their growth into one of the largest construction companies in Nigeria specialized in roads and bridges. Not surprisingly, with its apt, enduring philosophy of “Building for Tomorrow,” Setraco has set an uncommon track record of exceeding clients’ expectations by delivering completed jobs that meet specified technical, financial and time indices.
Under the nimble chairmanship of Dr. Abu Inu-Umoru, Setraco, has covered considerable grounds. This speaks to the vision and measure of the man. He is defined by his sheer, carefully governed kinetic energy and revels in pushing new frontiers. These ingrained traits remain the central portrayal of Dr. Inu-Umoru, Setraco’s inimitable chairman.
Scion of the wealthy family of the late Alhaji Inu Umoru of Warrake in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Abu Inu-Umoru’s compelling humility simply sets him apart.
No less a child of providence who wields influence and authority with alluring humility and exemplary focus, Dr. Inu-Umoru has demonstrated with his life’s trajectory that faith, philanthropy, education, and entrepreneurship fundamentally address the transformation of society and the human condition for good.
To date, he unabashedly maintains this unique footing. An unwavering sense of duty, rigorous training and professionalism, demonstrable integrity, and almost a child-like faith in his beloved God form the navigational compass of his life story.
The Setraco chairman covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with stakeholders, policy makers, and sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in his chairmanship of one of Nigeria’s most transformed engineering construction companies.
It’s a given that powerful visions attract ideas, people, and other relevant resources. They create the momentum and will to actualize changes. They inspire individuals, complementary organizations, and institutions to commit, persist, and give their best.
Keying into this enduring philosophy, unassuming Inu-Umoru has also deployed impeccable professionalism, discipline, and persistence to change the traditional narrative of the company in the context of the engineering construction sector in Nigeria
Sixty-one-year-old Inu-Umoru’s remarkable achievements are an inspiration and unambiguous attestation that hard work, diligence, industry, and humility pay. Through his relentless pursuit of excellence, Abu has built a business empire that not only stands out as a symbol of his accomplishments, but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those who dare to dream.
It is worth recalling that when Setraco Nigeria Ltd (SNL), one of the companies established by his late business mogul father, was plunged into a N17 billion-debt, he deployed his good corporate practice and experience in exposing financial scams within the company.
He started plugging fiscal leakages such that the N17 billion debt portfolio he met, which was largely orchestrated through manipulations of overdrafts with the company’s bankers, was cleared within two years of his finance directorship. Today, SNL has a clean balance sheet, charting once again the trajectory of profitability; and, in fact, owing no bank anywhere in the world. This is vintage Inu-Umoru.
Through his diligence and conscientiousness, he has not only built a business empire but also fostered an environment where others could thrive. Simply put, he has since built a commonwealth that is poised to withstand the tribulations and trials of time.
His visionary leadership, combined with an unyielding focus on innovation, has transformed the company and left an indelible mark on society. The empire he has built is not just a conglomerate of material wealth; it is a lasting testament to his deep family values and life principles; certainly, an embodiment of his unflagging spirit.
Looking back almost half a century of powerful business trajectory, what does the future hold for Setraco? The morning tells the day. Forged in the steely furnace of discipline and stern focus, the emerging consensus of industry experts is that Setraco indeed has a very bright future in Nigeria and on the African continent.
The policies flowing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which is vigorously addressing the engineering construction sector, certainly indicates a powerful reinvigoration of the industry, which Setraco is a big turf player. Setraco, under the capable guidance of its tireless chairman, Dr. Inu-Umoru certainly looks forward to its next century with confidence and hope.
■ Ojeifo is publisher and editor-in-chief of THE CONCLAVE online newspaper. He could be reached at ojwonderngr@yahoo.com (08034727013)
…leaders urge resilience as pressure mounts within ADC ranks
By Gloria Ikibah
Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have thrown their weight behind Rep. Leke Abejide, urging him to remain steadfast amid ongoing political tensions within his party the African Democratic Congress.
The messages of support were delivered during a dinner in Abuja held to celebrate the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide, where both leaders praised his resilience and commitment to democratic ideals.
They encouraged the Yagba Federal Constituency representative to stay the course and continue his efforts to stabilise and strengthen the African Democratic Congress, despite mounting internal challenges.
Bello described Abejide as a determined political figure who remains focused on his goals, while Gbajabiamila urged him to remain within the party and push for what he believes is right.
Their intervention comes at a time of heightened uncertainty within the ADC, with calls for unity and perseverance growing louder among party stakeholders.
Bello said, “Honourable Leke Abejide sought to be a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of APC then, and there are some mathematical miscalculations. But that never stopped him. He came second time and he is performing and touching lives across the board.
“Honourable Leke Abejide is acting as if he was the governor. At a point I was like, do you want to overthrow me? Honourable Leke Abigide sought to be the governor of Kogi State. He contested keenly with my amiable and wonderful successor. I know how many times our brother, the chief of staff, the president, intervened, called me, and several meetings were held. And I maintained one thing. I said, look, this is my brother. I will never deceive him. The politics of Kogi State, nobody knows better than I do at this stage. Let him just try his luck and learn and wait for an appropriate time.
“Honourable Leke Abejide did not lose. He only came to learn the act of politicking especially for governorship at that level in Kogi State. Honourable Leke Abejide did not hesitate to support and give all of his backings to my governor immediately after the election. He was under serious pressure to go to court. He was the first person who said he was not going to challenge it. Rather, he collapsed his structures and supported.
“Honourable Leke Abejide at National Assembly level, despite he belonged to ADC, he was supporting our president actively, both physically and covertly. Honourable Leke Abejide, we thank you for all your performance. Your Excellency, thank you for your guidance. The Chief of Staff, the President. Tell Mr. President that we appreciate you. And that myself and my governor, we have conferred on each other. And that we are calling on Chief Leke Abejide and telling all of the Yagba Federal Constituency’s persons that are here, please take this message home, that we want Leke back in APC”.
Similarly, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila commended Rep. Abejide for his doggedness which he said kept him on track in his democratic journey and winning elections on a platform which he kept alive and running for long.
He said, “I keep saying people to people when I talk about him, that for a man to contest an election in a face-to-face state where elections are fierce, and to contest under a platform of a relatively unknown party, ADC, and to win back-to-back-to-back, it tells you who that man is. Not when he won the first time, he came on a sole ADC carry to the house. Four years later, he went back to Kogi. He brought somebody else from the ADC.
“Honorable Abejide, I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight. Fight them. Scare them. Hold on to your party, ADC. Do not allow them. We like what you are doing. Continue.
“Don’t let the former governor say that you should come and join the APC. No, no, no, no, no, no. Stay in the ADC. Win your election in the ADC as you will. Bring Gombe. We will support him. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve been to for years with your sweat and your money and everything. No. Continue. Good luck in court”.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Serving and Former Forum has tasked all stakeholders especially the Judiciary on projection of Nigeria’s democracy.
The forum gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja while reacting to comments allegedly made by some top politicians and public officials that do not advance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ms Nnenna Ukeje, a member of the 8th House of Representatives said that as patriots, the forum is committed to national interest and have defended democracy on many fora.
According to her, their intervention stands for the defence, stability, protection of democracy and preservation of our beloved country.
“We must reiterate that there is a clear difference between the tyranny of the majority and true democracy; between illiberal civil rule and a system grounded in democratic contestation; between constitutional governance and authoritarian subjugation.
“Nigeria must remain firmly on the side of democracy, resisting overreach by any arm of government is not subversion; it is a constitutionally given right and duty.
“To the judiciary, we reiterate: this is a defining moment; the tipping point, the nation’s eleventh for survival.
“Your independence must remain sacrosanct. Your integrity must be unquestionable and your patriotism unapologetic. Your decision will determine the drift,” she said.
Ukeje said that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by the very forces that once fought to build it saying that the preservation of democratic space is not a favour to the opposition but a duty owed to the nation.
The former lawmaker said that Nigerians must be very vigilant as democracy does not defend itself but survives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to its protection.
“In conclusion, Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not expediency; by robust institutions, not strong individuals; and by the will of the people, not predetermined outcomes.
“Let the judiciary act without interference. Let opposition thrive without intimidation. Let citizens participate without fear.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people, and it must be protected and defended by all.
We remain committed to defending it through all lawful means; through the courts, through civic engagement, and at the ballot box,” she said. (NAN)
——-
…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.
Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.
Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.
The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”
Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.
The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
Stand Firm and Keep Fighting, Bello, Gbajabiamila Rally Abejide
Forum of legislators calls on Judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa
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