In the heart of Nigeria’s Northeast lies a state undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. Under the visionary stewardship of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State has risen as a model of people-centered governance. Fintiri’s leadership – rooted in discipline, inclusion, and development – is not only reshaping the state but also sending a message to the nation: real change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.
From Speaker to rescuer: A political journey forged in integrity governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s political journey began in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, where his colleagues elected him Speaker, a position he used to advocate for institutional reforms and legislative transparency.
In 2014, he stepped in as Acting Governor during a period of political instability following the impeachment of then-Governor Murtala Nyako. Though brief, Fintiri’s caretaker government brought immediate order, paid off long-standing civil servant salaries, and restored dignity to the states governance.
Five years later, buoyed by public goodwill, he returned, this time through the ballot – as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate. He won in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023, a testament to his performance and popularity.
INFRASTRUCTURE RENAISSANCE: FROM NEGLECT TO NATION-BUILDING
Under Fintiri, Adamawa has undergone a breathtaking transformation in physical infrastructure. His administration has:
– Constructed over 300 km of rural roads, connecting isolated communities to commercial hubs, unlocking local economies, and facilitating rapid response to healthcare and security needs.
– Built two iconic flyovers in Yola, the first of their kind in the entire North-East region. These are more than structures – theyre symbols of ambition, proof that Adamawa is thinking big.
– Developed new township roads, drainage systems, and modern roundabouts, giving urban centers a facelift, improving mobility, and attracting business investments.
– Launched the Jimeta Ultra-Modern Stadium, designed to host national sporting events and nurture youth talent, further placing Adamawa on Nigerias map for tourism and entertainment.
This increased the ripple effects of business confidence, enhanced movement of goods and people, and a renewed sense of pride among citizens.
EDUCATION FOR ALL: THE FINTIRI LEARNING REVOLUTION
Governor Fintiri’s administration has made education free, compulsory, and inclusive. His policies have ensured:
– No child is left behind, with free education from primary to senior secondary school.
– WAEC and NECO fees are fully covered by the state, removing economic barriers for poor families.
– Over 500 schools were renovated or newly built, and thousands of teachers employed and trained, improving the quality of education across the board.
Additionally, his administration distributes school uniforms, textbooks, and transportation and has revived the moribund school feeding program, keeping children healthy and motivated.
Today, enrollment is up, dropout rates are down, and Adamawa is producing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
HEALTHCARE THAT HEALS, SERVICES THAT SERVE
Before Fintiri, Adamawa’s health sector was reeling from years of neglect. Today, it’s on a path of recovery and growth:
– Renovation of key hospitals, including Yola Specialist Hospital, now equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, including laparoscopic unitsa first for the region.
– Construction of 10 new health posts and 8 primary healthcare centres, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
– Establishment of a health insurance scheme, which currently covers thousands of low-income earners and widows, ensuring they no longer have to choose between health and survival.
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This increased access, lower maternal and infant mortality, and restored trust in the public health system.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: LIFTING THE PEOPLE, LIFTING THE STATE
Governor Fintiri believes prosperity must be widespread and inclusive. His government has launched several bold initiatives:
– Fintiri Business Wallet: A direct empowerment scheme that has supported over 20,000 women and young entrepreneurs with N50,000 grants each, including business training.
– Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme: Every youth in the scheme is allocated a hectare of land, inputs, and support, turning young people into agropreneurs and reducing unemployment.
– State-backed export strategy: A first in the region, designed to help local farmers and manufacturers access international markets.
– Public transport fleet expansion, including tricycles, buses, and riverboats, making movement more affordable and creating hundreds of jobs.
Today, Adamawas micro, small, and medium-sized businesses are blossoming, poverty rates are declining, and families are becoming self-reliant.
SOCIAL INCLUSION: WOMEN AND YOUTH AT THE CENTER
Governor Fintiri is a proud champion of inclusion. His administration enforces the 35% affirmative action policy, giving women meaningful roles in governance and appointments. From commissioners to permanent secretaries, women now influence the direction of the state.
He’s also:
– Granted scholarships to female STEM students, breaking traditional gender barriers.
– Created youth desks in government offices to ensure their voices are heard.
– Engaged traditional rulers and faith leaders to promote unity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.
This inclusive governance model has solidified peace in a state once vulnerable to insurgency spillovers and ethnic tension.
WHAT LIES AHEAD: THE FUTURE IS FINTIRI
As he enters the mid-phase of his second term, Governor Fintiri has his eyes set on:
– Establishing Adamawa as a regional agro-processing hub, with incentives for investors.
– Scaling the health insurance scheme to cover 500,000 residents by 2026.
– Launching Adamawa Tech City, a proposed innovation centre aimed at training youth in digital skills and startups.
There are whispers of a national role in the future and rightly so. A leader who has stabilized a diverse, complex state like Adamawa, empowered its people, and left tangible legacies across sectors deserves to play on the federal stage.
A STATESMAN FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is not just building infrastructurehe is building hope, equity, and opportunity. His administration is living proof that visionary leadership, when anchored on empathy and competence, can change the narrative even in the most underprivileged settings. His name is now synonymous with service delivery, inclusion, and results. In a country hungry for such leadership, his story offers a blueprint.
Adamawa is risingand so is the man behind it.
