Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Monday reflected on the gains of bold economic reforms and cordial intergovernmental relations be...
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Monday reflected on the gains of bold economic reforms and cordial intergovernmental relations between the Federal Government and sub-national units under the Tinubu administration.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and “proper grasp of the tenets of federalism” have enabled states to deliver tangible democratic dividends to their people.
According to the governor, these achievements were made possible through the devolution of more resources and responsibilities to states and local governments.
Fintiri emphasised that nation-building is a collective responsibility, adding that Adamawa State seeks a stronger partnership with the Federal Government to deliver shared prosperity, security and inclusive growth.
He pledged support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda at a reception held in Yola in honour of President Tinubu, who was on a one-day working visit to the state.
The governor said Adamawa invited the President not only to commission projects, but also to appreciate him for what he is doing for Nigeria, particularly his courage in taking macroeconomic decisions amid “the rantings of adversaries and political antagonists.”
Fintiri described President Tinubu as “Nigeria’s best sailor,” urging him not to waver but to continue taking tough decisions in the national interest.
In his remarks, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his continued commitment to service and sacrifice.
“As your leader, I assure you of my continuous service and sacrifice. Nigeria is ours to develop once again,” he said.
The President arrived at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport, Yola, at about 1:20 p.m., accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, an indigene of the state; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Masha; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari.
A large crowd of residents from across the 21 local government areas welcomed the President. After inaugurating several projects, he held a meeting with critical stakeholders in the state.
Projects inaugurated by the President included the Yola Model School; the eight-lane expanded Galadima Aminu Way, complete with an overhead bridge, underpass and roundabout; the dualised Gimba Road; the remodelled State High Court Complex; and the newly constructed automated gate and office complex at the Government House.
He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp being constructed by the state government in Malkohi. Fintiri said the facility would be named after President Tinubu.
Dignitaries at the event included Governors Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha; former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff; former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
President Tinubu thanked the people of Adamawa for what he described as a warm and enthusiastic reception, noting that the state was “virtually locked down, celebrating and happy.”
He praised Governor Fintiri for what he called a “tremendous amount of renewal,” particularly in the education sector, describing investment in schools as the greatest weapon against poverty.
“Your projects that I have commissioned today cut across sectors of human and institutional development — model schools that will shape the minds of our children, building a weapon against poverty,” he said.
The President added that the newly commissioned road infrastructure would ease mobility, stimulate commerce, enhance safety and attract private investment.
“The eight-lane road and underpass we commissioned today will not only improve traffic flow within the metropolis, but also unlock new economic opportunities, enhance safety and attract private investment,” he said.
Tinubu also commended Fintiri for fiscal discipline, expressing satisfaction that the governor did not indicate any inability to pay workers’ salaries or resort to borrowing for wage obligations.
“I’m glad that when you enumerated the costs of these projects, you did not say you had failed to pay or had to borrow to pay workers’ salaries,” he noted.
The President said the Federal Government is investing heavily in agriculture and human capital development, stressing that Nigerians must be able to feed themselves.
He urged governors and citizens to sustain cooperation, describing the solidarity between the Federal Government and sub-national governments as “extremely encouraging.”
“This is the only profitable investment in democracy. The reward is inclusion and the elimination of every ramification of poverty in our society,” he added.
President Tinubu also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing him as “honest, bold, courageous and committed,” and expressed confidence that banditry and terrorism would be defeated.
“With you, we will defeat bandits and terrorists,” he said.
The President thanked traditional and religious leaders for promoting peace and harmony, acknowledging that enduring macroeconomic reforms and political dynamics requires patience and understanding.
He also commended the Armed Forces for their efforts against insurgency and banditry, expressing optimism that Nigeria would prevail.
“Together, we will win. Adamawa will continue to flourish,” he said.
Governor Fintiri outlined the costs of the inaugurated projects: the Model School, ₦24.8 billion; road projects, ₦15.6 billion; the remodelled State High Court Complex (A and B), ₦5.5 billion; and the Government House gate and office complex, ₦6.3 billion.
He listed other ongoing projects, including a shopping mall at 80 per cent completion, the AA Lawan Flyover, Mubi Flyover, an International Conference Centre and an International Stadium.
Fintiri also disclosed plans to employ 5,000 teachers and construct three new mega boarding science and technical schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.
To address water shortages in some towns, he said water schemes would be completed.
The governor further stated that the NYSC camp is being constructed by the state government as a gesture of gratitude to the President and the federation.
He added that the state had undertaken projects previously considered the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government, including federal roads and bridges such as the 13-span bridge at Shuwa, four-span bridge at Himbla, three-span bridge at Wurungandi, culvert works along the Mararaba–Mubi–Michika–Maiduguri Road, and embankment repairs at Gamu Bridge along the Ganye–Tongo federal highway.
He also said the state constructed and furnished four hostel blocks for law students at the Nigerian Law School campus in Yola, and renovated facilities at the military formation in Mubi following the President’s approval for its re-establishment.
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