Rotimi Amaechi

**Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi** (born May 27, 1965) is a prominent Nigerian politician who has held significant public offices, including Governor of Rivers State and Federal Minister of Transportation. He is recognized for his extensive political career and his involvement in major infrastructure projects in Nigeria. **Early Life and Education** Rotimi Amaechi was born in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976 and his West African Senior School Certificate in 1983. Amaechi later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987. He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1988. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Amaechi's political career began in the late 1980s. He was elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999 and served as Speaker until 2007, where he was also Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly. In 2007, Amaechi contested and won the governorship election of Rivers State, serving two consecutive terms until 2015. During his tenure as governor, his administration focused on reforming the state’s education, health, and infrastructure sectors. He is credited with initiating a large-scale construction program that included roads, flyovers, and new school and healthcare facilities. Following his time as Governor, Amaechi served as the Director-General of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organization in 2015 and 2019, successfully leading the campaign efforts. In November 2015, he was appointed Minister of Transportation by President Buhari, a role he held until May 2022. **Notable Works** As Minister of Transportation, Amaechi oversaw the revitalization and modernization of Nigeria's railway system, including the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line and the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway. His efforts were key to securing international funding and partnerships for these large-scale projects, significantly improving inter-city travel and commerce. He was also instrumental in the modernization and expansion of seaports and other maritime infrastructure across the country. **Current Status** Rotimi Amaechi resigned from his ministerial position in 2022 to pursue the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although he was unsuccessful in securing the nomination, he remains a key figure in Nigerian politics, particularly within the APC party and in Rivers State. He holds the traditional title of **Omelema of Uga**.