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• commends Fintiri’s fiscal prudence
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu declared on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State capital, that the National Security Adviser (NSA) and a son of the soil from the state, Nuhu Ribadu, is doing an “excellent job” in coordinating Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism.
While inaugurating several projects completed by the Adamawa State government under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Tinubu expressed strong pride in Ribadu, stating, “National Security Advisor, the son of the soil, Nuhudeen Ribadu. I must say it clearly here that you’re doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the result. With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You’re a good National Security Adviser; honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job. I believe the state of Adamawa is strongly, strongly, proud of you, because I am too.”
The President whose visit virtually lock down Yola, noted, “I am delighted to be here In Yola and I must say, carefully and expressively, that I am grateful for the warm reception, the joy in the heart of the people. The state appeared virtually locked down, celebrating and happy. Thank you, Mr. Governor.”
He hailed senior officials, traditional leaders led by His Royal Highness Lamido Dr. Aliyu Mustapha, and religious leaders for “demonstrating good leadership and very committed” service in maintaining harmony amid macroeconomic challenges.
Tinubu commissioned a suite of flagship infrastructure projects, kicking off with the Yola Model School, one of 21 such facilities built across the state’s 21 local government areas at a total cost of N24.8 billion. Fintiri explained, “This project cost us N24.8 billion,” adding that it forms part of broader educational strides, including three new boarding mega science and technical schools—one per senatorial district—alongside the recruitment of 5,000 teachers “to power the schools to optimum performance.”
Other projects included the N15.6 billion eight-lane expansion of Galadima Aminu Way featuring an overhead bridge, underpass, roundabout, and concrete stone water drains on both sides; the dualized Gimba Road; the N5.5 billion expanded and remodelled State High Court Complex A and B; and the N6.3 billion newly constructed automated gate and office complex at the Government House. Tinubu was particularly impressed by the Governor’s Office, quipping, “I didn’t want to come down, it’s so beautiful, relaxing and gorgeous,” and praising Fintiri as “a man who leaves better than you met it.”
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Fintiri outlined additional ongoing initiatives, such as a massive shopping mall at 80% completion, the AA Lawan Flyover, Mubi Flyover, International Conference Center, and International Stadium, all aimed at “birthing an Adamawa State with a mega capital city, which houses all the municipal traffic that can open up the state to investors and deliberately produce semi-urban centers that will serve as excellent cosmopolitan withholding hubs for containment of rural urban drift.” He also highlighted the small towns water scheme, declaring, “Today we are subduing water scarcity in the state and quenching the thirst of our people with delight.” Tinubu hailed these efforts as spanning “sectors of human and institutional development,” emphasizing, “Investment in that kind of project [model schools] is an investment in education today and tomorrow, and building a weapon against poverty… As you invest in education as the greatest weapon against poverty, I must salute you. I must salute your infrastructure vision as integral to economic growth… The eight lane road and underpass we just commissioned today will not only improve traffic flow within the metropolis, but also unlock the new economic opportunities and enhance safety and attract private investments.”
The president commended Fintiri’s fiscal prudence, observing that when enumerating project costs, the governor “didn’t say you have failed to pay or borrow to pay the salaries of your workers. That is the consequence of us working together, and we will achieve more macroeconomic successes.” He linked this to national priorities, stating, “We are investing heavily in agriculture, human capital development. We must be able to feed ourselves, feed the country.” Fintiri reciprocated by detailing state interventions on federal infrastructure, including constructing the 13-span bridge at Shuwa, four-span bridge at Himbla, three-span bridge at Wurungandi, numerous culverts along the Mararaba-Mubi-Michika-Maiduguri Road, and embankment repairs at Gamu Bridge on the Ganye-Tongo Federal Highway. The state also built and furnished four hostel buildings for law school students at the Nigerian Law School campus in Yola and renovated dilapidated army barracks quarters, drainages, and culverts in Mubi following Tinubu’s approval for reestablishing a military formation there.
On his first official visit to Adamawa, Fintiri welcomed Tinubu “on behalf of the government and the good people of Adamawa State,” framing the event as more than a commissioning: “It is to appreciate you for what you are doing for Nigeria, it’s to make you relate first hand with the results of your policy in the country. Your proper grasp of the tenets of federalism and the need to devolve more resources and responsibilities to the sub-national governments is solid reason behind our performance and achievement.”
He announced plans to break ground for a N7.5 billion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Permanent Orientation NYSC Camp, “constructed by the Adamawa State government… as our modest symbol of gratitude to Mr President and the Federation.” Fintiri urged resolve amid criticism, saying, “Thank you sir, thank you for your courage, even in the face of the rantings of adversaries and political antagonists. We are today because you dare to take the macro-economic risks you took… The hallmark of leadership is courage, Your Excellency… Continue to have the courage to make the toughest decision for the good of the country. Do not waiver, do not falter… You are Nigeria’s best tailor.”
Tinubu affirmed federal-state synergy, telling assembled governors and leaders, “The solidarity that exists between federal government and subnationals is extremely encouraging… This is the only profitable investment in democracy, the reward of this investment is for people to be included, for us to eliminate every ramification of poverty in our society.” He thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their role in combating insurgency, assuring, “We are grateful to the Nigerian armed forces for their commitment to liberate Nigeria from banditry and insurgency. Together, we will win,” while calling on citizens for maximum cooperation with governors.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Tinubu said, “I’ve seen hope in the faces of the people, of many children lying along the street and the route coming from the airport. I feel greatly elated and at home… Umaru Fintiri, thank you very much for the inspiration and commitment to humanity.
Adamawa will continue to flourish… As your leader, I am assuring you of my continuous service and sacrifice. Nigeria is ours to develop once again. I am a very happy man.” Fintiri closed with unwavering support: “We are with you. Our people are with you. Adamawa State is with you all the way, all the time.”
