By Umar Dankano, Yola
The emergence of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the elected Governor of Adamawa state in the 2019 marked the beginning of new ideas in the state tailored towards achievement of his administration’s eleven (11) points agenda.
Specifically, the agenda aimed at infrastructural development and urban renewal, to significantly enhance the quality of lives for the people in the State.
Upon assumption of office on May 29, 2019, Governor Fintiri embarked on a pragmatic and aggressive approach through massive road construction and upgrading of existing road network within the state capital.
The first of these road infrastructure to be provided by the Fintiri’s administration is the Jimeta – Yola Grade Interchange nicknamed “unity flyover” which was commissioned by former president Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 2024. This interchange is made up of an underpass and a flyover, with a goal to easing the flow of vehicular traffic and to also beautify the capital city of Jimeta -Yola.
Another second flyover built by Fintiri’s government is the capital school flyover which was commissioned by Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and was named after a formidable and respected royal father of the Fombina Dynasty, the late Lamido Aliyu Mustapha while the third is at 95% completion stage at the ever-busy Mubi road roundabout.
A little check in the history of this part of the country, the North Eastern states, Mr. Fintiri has written his name in gold and history as the first Governor to construct this innovative project of flyover bridges. As we speak now, the fourth one is being constructed by the Triacter company limited at the popular A.A Lawan junction leaking Army barracks road to Yola way .
On the area of road networking in the state, the Governor has prioritized the construction and rehabilitation of urban roads to improve connectivity and ease of transportation within the state capital and other major towns. Notable among the projects include the construction of a super highway that bypasses Jimeta from Welcome to Yola on the Yola – Numan highway and create a new vast corridor that will open the area that stretches between that section of the state capital and the old Yola town for residential and commercial development. This is meant to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel times. Infrastructure projects have been undertaken to address flood control, including the construction of drainage systems and the reinforcement of riverbanks.
To foster rural development in the state, currently, Fintiri’s administration has constructed 340 kilometres of rural roads across the 21 LGAs by leveraging the world bank funded RAM-2 Project through counter fundings.
These efforts have improved access to remote areas, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and boosting local economies forwarding the Pella – Maiha Road that has been under construction since 2007 was completed and recently commissioned.
Other roads constructed include 8.8 km Sansri rural road (Ganye), Yarima Mayo rural road in Toungo, Parda-Mininga in Fufore, 25km Bazzama’a road in Michika, 16.9 km Mararaban Dumne road, Honbol rural road in Song, 31km Ndikong rural road in Mayo Belwa, 9.3 km Ngongoshi rural road in Yola South, Kuvu-Gaya rural road in Hong. All these have since been completed and commissioned for public use.
The administration has undertaken the renovation and modernization of numerous schools, providing a conducive learning environment for students. This includes the provision of modern classrooms, libraries, and science laboratories. New schools have been built in areas with growing populations, ensuring that education is accessible to all children in the state. The construction of 21 Mega Schools in each of the 21 local councils have reached advance stage and are expected to take their first intake at the commencement of the next academic session.
In the seven Local Government Areas that make-up the Northern Senatorial Zone and parts of the Central zone, all the facilities destroyed by Boko Haram have been either repaired or nearly rebuilt even though some were undertaken by the North East Development Commission, NEDC but the fact remains that Fintiri’s government is doing well also.
In the health sector, his imprints are also visible as he has completed eight primary healthcare centres, renovated 17 others, constructed 10 new health posts, 30 VIP latrines, two laboratories and established a state health insurance scheme to support low income earners and the vulnerable.
This was as he overhauled the state specialist hospital, renovated seven primary healthcare clinics and constructed the staff quarters at the Maiha Cottage Hospital. To further ease the hardship of mortgage and house ownership in the state and to reduce the housing deficit of 23 million nationwide, the administration is constructing 1000 units of houses at Malkohi with a view to provide decent and affordable homes for low- and middle-income families, improving living conditions and reducing homelessness.
In the area of water supply, efforts have been made to improve water supply across the state. New boreholes complete with storage tanks are provided in most rural areas the Jimeta and Yola water treatment plants are getting the desired attention. This is expected to provide clean and safe drinking water to urban and rural communities.
For boosting the local internally generated revenue in the state, several markets have been upgraded with modern facilities, including stalls, storage facilities, and proper sanitation. Twelve cattle markets are the first to be given this facelift. This has improved the business environment for traders and enhanced the shopping experience for consumers.
These developments have not only improved the standard of living but have also fostered a sense of pride and optimism among the people.
Governor Fintiri’s commitment to transforming Adamawa State through sustainable development and inclusive growth has solidified his reputation as a change agent. His administration’s achievements over the past five years serve as a testament to the positive impact of visionary leadership and dedicated public service.
