By Sahel Reporters, Yola
On a warm afternoon in Gombi, where red dust settles on roofs and small shops hum with life, people still remember the young boy who learned to listen. He was quiet, they say, but he watched closely — how elders settled disputes under neem trees, how teachers stayed late to help struggling pupils, and how mothers found ways to feed children when rains failed.
That boy grew up with questions and a stubborn hope that systems could improve. Today, that boy is Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa — a man whose life is a tapestry of patriotism, love for humanity, and a heart that beats for peace and development.
This is not the usual political tale of quick promises and loud slogans. Instead, it is a human story: of a reconciler, an institution builder, and a man who has lived across communities and nations, gathering experience, forging networks, and returning home with a traveling heart of patriotism.
His work in peace-building, youth empowerment, and social justice — combined with his humility and practical vision — makes a compelling case: Adamawa State needs Dr. Durkwa not just as another candidate, but as the next governor to consolidate and expand the great achievements of Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
From Village Lessons to Global Insights
Durkwa’s journey began in Gombi, where community values shaped him. The injustices he witnessed made him restless; the kindnesses he experienced made him hopeful. That restlessness and hope carried him through education, travels, and leadership experiences that broadened his worldview. Yet, each time he went out, he came back — to test ideas, to listen, and to serve.
Today, his life reflects a unique blend: the grassroots wisdom of his origins, the intellectual rigor of his academic journey, and the global exposure of a man who has lived and worked beyond Adamawa. He has seen how other societies build peace and institutions, and he has returned with the determination to apply those lessons here.
Institution Building: Quiet Power, Lasting Impact
Unlike politicians who only appear during election cycles, Dr. Durkwa has consistently built institutions and programs long before 2027 entered the conversation. As Executive Director of the International Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ), he has designed conflict-prevention programs, created youth training hubs, and mobilized faith leaders for dialogue.
This track record shows what kind of governor he would be: not one who merely occupies the office, but one who strengthens the very systems — schools, clinics, community councils, civic networks — that outlast personalities and ensure durable development.
Patriotism with a Human Face: Policy That Touches Lives
Durkwa writes and speaks often about the “weaponization of religion, ethnicity, and regionalism.” But his interventions are not abstract — they are rooted in practical proposals. He believes peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice, jobs, education, and dignity. His policy frameworks translate into:
• Youth Employment Hubs to turn skills into jobs.
• Community Peace Councils to prevent disputes from escalating.
• Revitalized Clinics and Schools to guarantee basic dignity.
• Agricultural Value-Chain Programs to multiply farmers’ incomes.
• Transparent Budgets and Citizen Scorecards to institutionalize accountability.
These ideas align directly with Governor Fintiri’s people-centered governance, offering continuity with innovation.
Why Adamawa Needs Him After Fintiri
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has laid strong foundations: modern infrastructure, revitalized education, accountable governance, and economic reforms. The next governor must not derail this trajectory but consolidate it. Dr. Durkwa’s experience, character, and peace-driven vision make him the natural bridge.
• By Experience: He has led organizations, managed projects, and built coalitions across divides.
• By Character: He is disciplined, humble, and rooted in service.
• By Patriotism: His love for humanity and peace defines his approach to governance.
• By Vision: He seeks not power for its sake, but power to heal wounds and transform communities.
In a diverse state like Adamawa, where peace is the bedrock of progress, his reconciliatory leadership style stands out as both timely and essential.
The Political Path: From Advocacy to Central Leadership
Dr. Durkwa has already shown courage by declaring his intent for the 2027 governorship. This step signals his readiness to move from advocacy to the central stage of leadership. To succeed, he must expand his visibility, strengthen alliances across local governments, and unite Adamawa’s diverse voices under a common message: peace, prosperity, and consolidation of gains.
Unlike many aspirants, he is not driven by personal ambition alone but by a tested commitment to institution building and human development. That difference could resonate deeply with voters tired of transactional politics.
Final Reflection: A Leader Shaped for This Moment
Adamawa’s story has often been interrupted by fragile peace, stalled reforms, and wasted opportunities. But under Fintiri, the tide has turned — and what comes next matters more than ever. The state needs a leader who will consolidate, not scatter; who will build, not destroy; who will unite, not divide.
Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa embodies that profile. His record shows consistency, his heart shows patriotism, and his vision shows peace with progress. In 2027, Adamawa has the chance to choose not just another politician, but a statesman shaped by community lessons, global exposure, and a lifelong passion for humanity.
The choice before voters is simple: repeat the cycle of promises and disappointments, or entrust the state to a man who has both the experience and the heart to consolidate Fintiri’s achievements and lead Adamawa into a future of peace, justice, and prosperity.
For many, the answer is becoming clear.
– Dan Jimeta
