By Muhammad B. Muhammad
Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, has expressed profound appreciation to the University of Port Harcourt for conferring on him an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration, describing the honour as both deeply personal and nationally significant.
Delivering his acceptance speech during the 50th Anniversary and 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Governor Fintiri thanked the Council, Senate, Management, Faculty, and Students of the institution for the recognition, noting that it affirms the institution’s commitment to excellence that transcends regional boundaries.
“I am honoured to be here,” Fintiri began. “This recognition is not just for me, but for the people of Adamawa State, whose support and sacrifices have made our modest achievements possible. That Uniport could identify and honour someone from the far northeast, far from its geographical reach, speaks volumes about the university’s national outlook and sense of justice.”
Governor Fintiri noted with nostalgia his long-standing connection to Port Harcourt, referencing the city’s cosmopolitan nature and its importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector where, as a young entrepreneur, he made his early fortune.
He paid glowing tribute to the former Governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing him as a trusted friend and comrade whose leadership and bond have further deepened his ties to the city.
“It is symbolic and historic that both Wike and I are being honoured by the same institution on the same day. This moment will remain indelibly etched in the history of our friendship and in the collective stories of Rivers and Adamawa States,” he added.
The Governor recounted a 2021 incident that underscored his philosophy of modest governance. According to him, when approached with a proposal for a media blitz to publicize his administration’s achievements, he opted instead to allocate the funds toward schools and infrastructure.
“For us, modesty is a strategy. The so-called Fintiri Magic in Adamawa is simply about identifying priorities and deploying limited resources to critical areas with the greatest impact,” he explained. “We have quietly transformed Adamawa from one of the bottom ten states in development to one of the top ten across key indices like education, healthcare, rural development, and infrastructure.”
Fintiri noted that his administration’s achievements were driven by the principle of aligning resources with needs, rather than focusing on publicity. He lauded Uniport for recognizing these efforts without fanfare, affirming that the University “has eyes for excellence beyond its boundaries.”
He also congratulated fellow awardees, including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria; Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT; and Aminu Bello Masari, former Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of TETFund, calling them “distinguished Nigerians, each deserving of this honour.”
In a heartfelt conclusion, Fintiri dedicated the award to his team, his friends, and the people of Adamawa State. He also congratulated the graduands of the day, encouraging them to remain hopeful and dedicated as the future of Nigeria.
“I carry this honour as a badge of pride. It is a charge to do more, a call to keep serving, and a reminder that the world will always find value in modesty, excellence, and selfless leadership,” the Governor said.
About the Honoree
Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was born on October 27, 1967, in Gulak, Madagali LGA, Adamawa State. A graduate of the University of Maiduguri, he ventured into the private sector, building successful businesses in oil and construction before joining politics. His political career saw him rise from State Assembly Member to Speaker and eventually to Acting Governor before being democratically elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
Known for his integrity, discipline, and people-oriented leadership, Governor Fintiri has earned a reputation for turning challenges into opportunities. His achievements have transformed Adamawa into one of the most progressive states in Nigeria.
He is married to Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and blessed with four children.
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