From Sahel Reporters – Yola
This morning, I came across a misleading Facebook post by one Sadiq Pilot, who attempted, rather unsuccessfully try to trivialize and misrepresent the giant strides of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, The Executive Governor of Adamawa State.
What he posted was not just inaccurate; it was an insult to truth and a calculated effort to undermine the transformational achievements of a man whose record is already being studied as a case study in people’s oriented governance.
Sadiq’s attempt at political commentary was tone-deaf, dismissive of facts, and blind to the inclusive, sweeping reforms that continue to shape both urban and rural life across Adamawa.
Contrary to his narrow, partisan narrative, Governor Fintiri’s administration touches every corner of our society, rich and poor, urban and rural, Christian and Muslim, indigene and settler. Below are some of the achievements he conveniently ignored to talk about:
- FREE WAEC & NECO FOR ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS!
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Fintiri has consistently paid billions of naira to cover WAEC and NECO fees for all secondary school students in Adamawa State. This is not a statutory obligation, but a deliberate act of compassion and progressive leadership. Even when examination bodies hiked their fees, he refused to scrap policy like others. Thousands of families have been unburdened, and the ripple effect has been increased school enrollment and reduced dropout rates.
- INTRODUCTION OF FRESH AIR BUSES!
To cushion the harsh economic impact of subsidy removal, Governor Fintiri introduced high capacity “Fresh Air” and school buses, as a patriotic Nigeria he choose to acquired the buses from Unison Motors, (Made in Nigeria. Now imagine if he were to be the president of Nigeria ) well this is a topic for another day!
These buses operate at a 50% subsidy and serve citizens across the 21 LGAs. This initiative doesn’t just ease transport costs, it promotes local manufacturing, boosts internal mobility, and reduces transport-related stress for students and workers alike.
- PAWECA EMPOWERMENT SCHEME
Through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), over 10,000 youths are currently receiving vocational training.
From inception in 2019 to date, over 100,000 micro-entrepreneurs have each received ₦50,000 in direct support, and another 40,000 are in line to benefit. This is not tokenism, it is structured, transparent, and digitized using BVN verification to ensure no one collects it double so that it can reach many small traders. Hawkers, shoe shiners, petty traders, ordinary citizens, are now being empowered like never before.
- 347.6KM OF RURAL ROADS UNDER RAMP-2!
Under the RAMP-2 project, 347.6 kilometers of rural feeder roads have been constructed after payment of counterparts funds, connecting remote communities to markets, health centers, and schools. This has catalyzed rural commerce, agriculture, and mobility across all 21 LGAs.
- OVER 5,000 CLASSROOMS RENOVATED OR CONSTRUCTED
Education infrastructure has received a revolutionary facelift. Over 5,000 classrooms have been either renovated or newly constructed across Adamawa, significantly improving learning conditions and access to basic education in underserved areas…
- FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION & BOARDING SCHOOL FEEDING!
Primary school education in Adamawa state public schools is free. All government boarding schools benefit from free feeding programs funded by the state, ensuring that children from poor backgrounds are not just enrolled but retained in school.
- YOLA MARKET REDEVELOPMENT.
The ongoing reconstruction of Yola Town Market is one of the most visionary moves by Governor Fintiri. Designed to address and prevent the recurring fire outbreaks and modernize the commercial landscape, the new market will serve as a hub of economic activity, safety, and opportunity.
- SECURITY INVESTMENT.
The administration has procured dozens of new patrol vehicles and operational equipment for security agencies. Crime prevention, rapid response, and general peacekeeping have significantly improved under Fintiri’s leadership.
The improved security index in Adamawa state is a direct result of this deliberate investment.
- HEALTH SECTOR REVOLUTIONS
All the Specialist hospitals in the state have been renovated. A world-class medical laboratory has been constructed in the specialist hospital yola. A free kidney dialysis center has been constructed in the specialist hospital . More importantly, the Adamawa State Health Contributory Insurance Scheme is now providing affordable healthcare to civil servants and vulnerable populations across the state.
- POTABLE WATER PROJECTS IN RURAL AREAS
Governor Fintiri’s administration has significantly expanded water access across Adamawa State through solar-powered boreholes in all 21 LGAs, major urban water treatment plant upgrades, and extensive pipeline reticulations. Over 295 hand pumps and 72 boreholes were also rehabilitated, especially in conflict-affected areas. A new Water Supply and Sanitation Law was enacted to sustain these improvements and attract partnerships.
- ULTRA-MODERN STADIUM PROJECT.
The construction of a world-class sports stadium in Adamawa is not just about sports; it is a forward-thinking investment in youth development, tourism, and job creation. It sets the state on the map for hosting national and international events.
- ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS.
Since 2019, every year, the state has consistently awarded scholarships to indigent and deserving students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This uninterrupted support is a testament to Governor Fintiri’s commitment to education at all levels.
- OVER ₦9 BILLION PAID IN PENSION GRATUITIES
Governor Fintiri paid off over ₦9 billion in inherited gratuity arrears, restoring dignity and peace to thousands of retired civil servants. This was not a campaign promise, it was a moral duty fulfilled.
- FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM (6,300 HECTARES OF FARMLAND)
Under the Food Security and Agricultural Productivity Initiative, 300 hectares per LGA (6,300 hectares total) have been committed to agriculture. Inputs have already been distributed to six pilots LGAs, making this the most ambitious and strategic agricultural programme in the state’s history.
- MODERNIZATION OF CATTLE MARKETS! UPGRADES OF JIMETA SHOPPING COMPLEX !
-This administration has modernizes and upgraded the state’s three major cattle markets.
-The government is currently upgrading and constructing the Jimeta Shopping Complex to meet international standards. This transformative project is aimed at boosting commercial activities, attracting investors, and creating a vibrant hub for local businesses. Once completed, the complex is expected to significantly enhance revenue generation and stimulate economic growth in the state.
ADDRESSING THE FLYOVER CRITICISM
Sadiq’s attack on the construction of flyovers reveals a dangerous ignorance. flyovers are not a vanity project; e.g Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Flyover it is a life-saving structure. It has eliminated deadly traffic jams of people rushing to go to FMC Yola and ensured emergency services like fire service are not delayed. Flyovers are not just road infrastructure, they are strategic investments that unlock urban mobility, enhance safety, stimulate commerce, and improve quality of life for citizens.
To ridicule infrastructure because one lacks vision is to deny progress its due. Just like Great Ruler of Dubai was once ridiculed for building ahead of time, Adamawa under Fintiri is investing wisely for the future. Leadership is about vision. Governor Fintiri is not waiting for Adamawa to become rich before planning big, he is planning big so Adamawa can become rich.
CONCLUSION: FACTS, NOT FICTION.
Political mischief may trend on social media, but it cannot erase reality. Constructive criticism is welcome, but deliberate falsehoods are unpatriotic.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has demonstrated rare balance, foresight, and courage in leading a state once written off into a future full of possibilities. His administration is building roads and building minds. It is feeding schools and fueling dreams. It is empowering citizens not godfathers.
This is the kind of leadership Nigeria desperately needs today: bold, inclusive, visionary, accountable.
So instead of peddling propaganda, let’s elevate the conversation. Let’s compete with ideas. Let’s aspire to higher politics where truth, service, and the people come first.
Long live Adamawa State.
Long live Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Nigeria’s model for people-driven development
By Emmanuel Philip Tumba, CCA, Public Finance Expert & Principal Officer, Government of Adamawa State!
