Anyone who missed the recent media chat with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, organised by the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Yola) in partnership with other media organisations, missed an important conversation about Adamawa’s journey, achievements and the road ahead.
For nearly seven years, the Fintiri administration has pursued interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure, workers’ welfare and human capital development, with several projects now visible across the state.
In education, the Governor said his administration had implemented critical interventions in about 10,000 schools across Adamawa. The government has also continued to pay WAEC and NECO fees for students and recruited about 5,000 teachers to strengthen the education system.
Healthcare has equally received major attention. More than 2,000 health workers have been recruited, while hospitals have received new facilities and solar power installations. Medical students have also seen their monthly allowance rise dramatically from about ₦8,000 to ₦100,000.
Governor Fintiri further announced that Adamawa State University is expected to begin accreditation for its medical programme in October, with the Adamawa State Specialist Hospital serving as its teaching hospital.
Infrastructure remains another visible feature of the administration. The ongoing Jimeta Ultra Modern Shopping Complex, which the Governor described as the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, is expected to strengthen commercial activities in the state.
He also announced plans to commence the dualisation of the Jimeta Bypass Road, despite the difficult terrain and deep riverbank along the route.
“We will complete all ongoing projects and continue to approve and complete new ones,” Fintiri declared.
But the media chat was not limited to projects. The Governor also addressed politics, including his relationship with the APC, saying he did not regret opposing the party when he believed it was politically necessary.
On political influence, he made perhaps his most direct statement: “I have no godfather.”
He also assured that no Adamawa APC National Assembly candidate would be replaced or substituted, while responding to the controversy surrounding Daily Rated workers and their proposed absorption into the mainstream civil service.
Beyond the figures and political exchanges, one statement perhaps captured the Governor’s approach to governance: “Even in my sleep, I remain deeply committed to serving the people of Adamawa and finding ways to improve their lives.”
At 35, Adamawa still has many challenges ahead. But the media chat provided an opportunity to assess the state’s journey not only through political arguments, but through projects, policies and measurable interventions.
Ultimately, the people of Adamawa will judge the administration by what has been delivered, what remains to be completed and who has the capacity to sustain the progress already made.
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