Adamawa State has taken a bold step towards a more harmonious future by placing its youth at the heart of governance.

A high-level dialogue, convened by the government through the office of the Senior Special Assistance to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Social Media, Mr Muhammad Bakari Tukur, brought together young people, academics, and policymakers to chart a course for peace and progress under the topic: “Dialogue for Peace: Youth for Good Governance”.

The event, held on Saturday at the Fombina Royal Hotel in the State Capital, Jimeta-Yola, saw a fervent exchange of ideas on how to harness the potential of the state’s burgeoning youth population.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Information and Strategy Commissioner, Hon. James Iliya, underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, describing it as the bedrock of sustainable development.

Renowned communication expert Professor Peter Ogondo delivered a keynote address, painting a vivid picture of the critical role young people play in shaping societies. He warned of the dire consequences of neglecting this demographic, citing historical examples of nations that have suffered turmoil due to youth disengagement.

Professor Ogondo championed the creation of platforms that give young people a voice and urged Adamawa State to emulate countries like Liberia and Australia, where youth councils have proven to be effective in driving change.

The dialogue also featured insightful contributions from Professor Umar Pateh, who highlighted the challenges facing today’s youth, such as the overwhelming volume of information and limited opportunities. He stressed the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the digital age.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees pledging to work collaboratively to create a more inclusive and prosperous Adamawa State. As the curtain fell on the dialogue, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among participants, eager to translate the discussions into tangible actions.

The government has committed to implementing the recommendations arising from the dialogue, signalling a new era of youth engagement in governance.

By Innocent Daniel Zira

Adamawa State Road Maintenance Agency Board Members, have conducted an inspection of ongoing maintenance work on Osibanjo way, popularly known as Faro/Adamawa Sunshine Road.

The inspection tour was part of the Agency’s mandate to ensure the readiness of Board Members, carry out the job responsibilities given to them by the state government for provision of quality road maintenance across twenty one local government areas of the state.

During the visit to the sites, the Board Members assessed the quality and progress of the maintenance work, emphasizing the importance of timely and efficient completion of the project for the benefit of the citizens.

The General Manager of ASRMA, Engr. Joshua Samuel, expressed optimism that Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has carefully selected Board Members that are professionals. Therefore, the Agency would never relent in providing quality maintenance work to the citizens. He also disclosed that the Agency would provide maintenance work on Karewa Road, Gasol Street, as well as Waziri Street.

On his part, the Board Chairman of the Agency, Engr. Garba Lyntapwa Gbiawan, mentioned some challenges they encounter, which according to him during their first sitting with the Honourable Commissioner of Works and Energy Development, Adamu Atiku Abubakar, he promised that with the caliber of professionals that were carefully selected by the Governor, the impact of the Agency would be felt by the people of state, but also solicited for their maximum cooperation.

Engineer Garba, also applauded the efforts of the General Manager and promised to work diligently for the benefit of the state inline with the urban renewal program of His Excellency RT. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

In their separate contributions during the inspection tour Mohammed H. Ahijo Member and Engr. Baba B. Wathada Member, appreciated the efforts of the General Manager and promised to give in their best for effective performance.

By Barnabas Augustine

The Federal College of Education Yola has commended the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for the strong partnership and support it has enjoyed from the state.

The college also announced plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary, host the Nigeria College of Education Games Association (NICEGA) and upgrade shops constructed at the college’s perimeter fence.

This was revealed when management staff from the Federal College of Education Yola, led by Deputy Provost Haj. Aisha Kadri, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in his office at Government House Yola on Wednesday.

The head of the delegation said they had visited Government House to inform Governor Fintiri about their proposed programmes and to request his administration’s support as the college approached its 50th anniversary since its establishment in 1974 and prepared to hold a convocation for graduating students.

She also sought the support of the Adamawa State Government for the successful hosting of the Nigeria College of Education Games Association (NICEGA) this year.

The visit also informed Governor Fintiri about FCE Yola’s proposal to demolish the front shops on Jimeta-Yola Road and rebuild them.

The college’s Director of Works explained that following the upgrade of the road and construction of the new flyover bridge at the AA Lawan junction, the college deemed it necessary to redevelop the shops into a storey building to align with the governor’s administration’s remodelling of the state capital.

He stated that the proposed building plan for the shops would accommodate 400 shops in 50 blocks of a storey building.

In response, Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, reiterated his administration’s support for the Federal College of Education Yola.

The Governor said that the support the institution was receiving from his administration was based on the longstanding collaboration between the state and the college.

He noted that most of the institution’s students were indigenes of the state, hence the importance of the support.

Regarding the remodelling of the FCE shpos, Governor Fintiri said the proposal would be sent to the appropriate authorities for review and advice.

He announced that FCE Yola would benefit from the school buses that the administration had procured to alleviate the transportation difficulties caused by the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy.

By Barnabas Augustine

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has said his government will work with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to develop Adamawa State.

The governor made the statement while receiving the newly elected executive of the NBA Yola, Adamawa Branch, in his office at Government House, Yola.

He said he would collaborate with the NBA to develop the state, specifically to combat poverty, which had recently sparked protests across the country that nearly plunged the nation into turmoil.

The governor announced his administration’s readiness to support the NBA in attending this year’s national conference in Lagos, within the limits of government resources, while congratulating the newly elected executive of the NBA Yola, Adamawa Branch. He noted their emergence as the new executive committee when the country faced numerous challenges.

Lauding the NBA’s role in ensuring the rule of law in the country, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri praised the Nigeria Bar Association for its part in ensuring that the tribunal case for the last general election was heard in Yola rather than Abuja. He said the NBA had insisted that the state was safe for the tribunal to sit, against the wishes of those who wanted to manipulate the election. He noted their role in being impartial and ensuring that the rule of law prevailed.

It may be recalled that the announcement of the 2023 gubernatorial election winner in Adamawa State by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, while the collection of results was still ongoing is some polling units where rerun election were conducted in Adamawa State, plunged the state into political chaos. This was followed by attempts to move the tribunal to Abuja, but the NBA stood its ground for justice to prevail. The Supreme Court later voided the announcement made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

The new executive of the NBA Adamawa Branch, led by its chairman, Idi Ali, said they were at Government House Yola to thank Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for graciously supporting the executive committee meeting of the NBA held in Adamawa State. Adding that Adamawa State had hosted the meeting three times, surpassing other states in the North-East.

Barr. Ali lauded the gigantic projects undertaken by Governor Fintiri in the state. He described the school buses launched as world-class, similar to those used in developed countries.

He thanked the governor for supporting the NBA Yola, Adamawa Branch, in attending the association’s national conference and solicited the same support for this year’s conference later this month in Lagos.

By Barnabas Augustine

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Thursday launched the second phase of the Fintiri Business Wallet, a women empowerment initiative aimed at lifting 10,000 women out of poverty. Each beneficiary will receive N50,000 to start or expand their businesses.

The scheme, part of the government’s 8-point agenda, has so far empowered 10,000 women with a similar grant.

Speaking at the venue of the event, at Mahmud Ribadu Square Yola, the governor emphasized the importance of empowering women as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.

In addition to the grant, the Governor said that the government will provide business training and support services to the beneficiaries.

Governor Fintiri also announced the procurement of 31 new buses to improve public transportation and alleviate transportation challenges faced by residents, especially students.

The buses have been distributed to all the tertiary institutions in the state and for public transportation in some selected LGAs.

The Governor announced that Adamawa State University Mubi will receive four of the 74-capacity luxury buses, Modibbo Adamawa University Yola four, College of Education Hong two, Federal College of Education Yola two, Adamawa State Polytechnic two, College For Legal Studies Yola one, College of Agric Ganye two, College of Health and Technology Michika two, Federal Polytechnic Mubi two.

Nine of the buses have been handed to Adamawa Transport Company to be operated in the state capital and other LGAs.

The governor further revealed plans to recruit more civil servants following the recent resolution on the new minimum wage.

The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Balthiya Wesley, described the empowerment scheme as “Fintiri magic.” He said the empowerment scheme and the school buses were aimed at improving the well-being of the citizenry. He lauded the Governor for empowering thousands of youth and women while commending the DG of PAWECA for ensuring the empowerment program’s success.

Commissioner for Entrepreneurship Development, Hammajumba Gatugel, said the scheme selected beneficiaries from various women’s groups in Adamawa to establish micro-businesses. He added that micro-businesses are essential for economic growth in rural communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Government Area Chairmen, the State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Toungo LGA, Hon. Sulaiman Ahmed Gangkuba, thanked Governor Fintiri for enabling the selection of beneficiaries from the local government areas, which he said was a testament to the transparent selection process.

The Director-General of the Adamawa State Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), Dr. Michael Zira Wadaragwo, disclosed that over 20,000 youths and women had been trained in various youth empowerment programs under his agency in the state. He announced his agency’s plan to collaborate with the private sector to reduce the financial burden on the government and to additionally employ graduate participants who would assist in welding, carpentry work, and other public infrastructure projects.

Speaking on behalf of the 10,000 women beneficiaries, Doris Danladi of CAN Women Wing, Maimuna Aliyu of FOMWAN, and Hadiza Yahaya of people living with disabilities thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for selecting women to benefit from the poverty alleviation scheme. They assured him that they would use the money to start and expand their businesses.