‘Happy Birthday To Fintiri The Colossus’ by Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa

‘Happy Birthday To Fintiri The Colossus’ by Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa

In a world where leadership is often scrutinised and criticised, I believe it’s essential to take a moment to celebrate leaders when they deserve recognition. I was raised in a school of thought that believes in acknowledging people’s achievements rather than focusing solely on their mistakes. It’s easy to point fingers when things go wrong, but how often do we stop to give credit where it’s due? How often do we truly appreciate the weight of responsibility our leaders carry and the decisions they must make in the face of immense pressure?

That is why today, on the occasion of his birthday, I want to celebrate a man who has stood tall—Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. A colossus in his own right. It’s so easy for us to be swayed by political party differences, religious biases, and ethnic divisions that we forget what it means to be objective. Yet, in our quest for true progress, we must rise above these primordial sentiments.

Has Fintiri done everything we expected? Perhaps not. But let’s ask ourselves: has anyone ever met every expectation placed upon them? As human beings, we are bound by our limitations. And yes, Fintiri, too, is mortal. He may have made mistakes along the way, but these mistakes are simply a reflection of his humanity. They do not negate the fact that he has done exceedingly well in many areas. A true leader is one who rises above challenges and strives to make a positive impact despite the odds.

Let us not be blinded by our personal prejudices or quick to forget the good that he has done. Instead, let us stand in solidarity, appreciating the milestones he has achieved. What we owe him now, more than anything, is our prayers—prayers that he may finish strong, that he may continue to be a vessel of progress for the state, and that he may lead with wisdom and grace in the days ahead.

True greatness lies not in perfection but in the resilience to keep striving for excellence, even in the face of adversity. And for that, Fintiri deserves our respect, our encouragement, and our prayers. Let us celebrate him today for the good he has done, and may we all learn to support and uplift our leaders, knowing that when they succeed, we all succeed.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s leadership has been nothing short of a transformative journey for Adamawa State over the past five years. His administration, with an unquestionable commitment to the welfare of the people, has ushered in an era of unprecedented development across critical sectors. Through tireless dedication and visionary governance, Governor Fintiri has not only addressed the immediate needs of the state but has laid a solid foundation for sustainable progress, making him a colossus of transformational leadership. Below is an overview of his major achievements that have touched every facet of Adamawa’s society, demonstrating his profound impact on the state.

Governor Fintiri’s administration recognised the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of any society. His efforts in this sector have been nothing short of revolutionary, providing opportunities for many children and restoring dignity to the state’s educational system. Since 2019, the state government has consistently covered the WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS examination fees for all public school candidates. This remarkable gesture reflects the governor’s desire to ensure no child is left behind due to financial constraints.

The governor has also spearheaded the construction of 21 model schools, one for each local government, and the construction of three mega secondary schools, strategically placed in Lamurde, Gulak, and Hong local governments. In addition to over 5,000 classrooms being constructed or renovated, 200 schools have received new teaching materials and furniture, further improving learning environments across the state.

Fintiri’s administration has also extended educational support through scholarships for Adamawa’s indigenous tertiary students, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits without financial burdens. Notably, 60 students have been sent to India to study engineering, demonstrating the governor’s commitment to nurturing talent that will eventually serve the state. His administration has also recruited over 2,000 post-primary school teachers and promoted and upgraded primary and secondary school teachers, some for the first time in nine years. These achievements demonstrate his vision for a well-equipped and properly staffed educational system, ensuring quality education for generations to come.

Governor Fintiri’s dedication to security has brought peace and stability to Adamawa, a state that has faced its fair share of communal and insurgency-related challenges. His administration has equipped security agencies with 60 Hilux vans, drones, motorcycles, and operational vehicles. Recognising the indispensable role of local hunters in securing communities, the governor has distributed vehicles to them and sponsored the training of 200 hunters in tactical and intelligence operations.

The reconstruction of the Gulak Police Barrack in Madagali further underscores Fintiri’s commitment to ensuring that security forces have the infrastructure they need to protect the state. By involving religious and traditional leaders in peace-building efforts, his administration has worked tirelessly to address communal clashes, ensuring lasting peace for Adamawa’s citizens.

Under Governor Fintiri’s leadership, Adamawa’s healthcare sector has witnessed a historic transformation. His administration has constructed four new cottage hospitals and renovated several others, providing vital healthcare infrastructure for both urban and rural communities. Employment opportunities have also been created in the healthcare sector, with over 2,000 healthcare workers recruited, alongside medical consultants, officers, and specialists.

The governor’s attention to healthcare infrastructure has been demonstrated through the total overhaul of the Numan General Hospital and the construction of a state-of-the-art Infectious Disease Center in Yola, the first of its kind in Northeast Nigeria. These facilities are lifesaving investments, ensuring that Adamawa is prepared to handle current and future health challenges.

Governor Fintiri’s administration is leaving an indelible mark on Adamawa’s landscape through a series of unprecedented infrastructural projects. Notably, the construction of the first-ever flyover and grade interchange in the Northeast, completed in Yola, is a monumental achievement that has not only eased traffic congestion but has elevated the state’s infrastructural profile. Further demonstrating his visionary leadership, the ongoing construction of additional flyovers and the expansion of major highways continue to reshape Adamawa’s urban landscape, making it a model of modern development.

In addition to urban road networks, the governor’s administration has prioritised rural access roads, opening up previously isolated areas and connecting rural communities to economic opportunities. The construction of new housing estates and the upgrading of marketplaces have also provided thousands of residents with better living conditions and economic opportunities, setting Adamawa on a trajectory of sustainable growth.

• 
  Politics and Government

  President Tinubu Appoints Bwala as Special Adviser, Names New Directors-General for National Agencies
• 
  Health

  The Big Catch-Up: Syria Launches Initiative to Vaccinate Millions of Children Missed During COVID-19 Pandemic
• 
  Business and Economy

  CBN Fires NIRSAL Executives Amid Major Restructuring Effort

Governor Fintiri has revitalised the agricultural sector, the backbone of Adamawa’s economy, through bold initiatives. Subsidised fertiliser for farmers, approval for the resuscitation of a fertiliser blending plant, and the establishment of the $100 billion Adamawa State Agribusiness Programme (ADAS) have empowered local farmers and boosted productivity. These initiatives are not only ensuring food security but are also creating jobs and contributing to the state’s internally generated revenue.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE

Governor Fintiri’s focus on the welfare of the people has been evident in his policies that support both the youth and the wider workforce. The implementation of the ₦30,000 and later the ₦70,000 minimum wage reflects his commitment to improving the lives of workers. By providing monthly stipends to civil servants and pensioners during the fuel subsidy removal, he demonstrated his empathy and concern for the financial well-being of citizens during difficult economic times. The reopening of skills acquisition centers and the recruitment into the civil service have empowered thousands of young people with essential skills and job opportunities.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

Governor Fintiri’s administration is a guide towards a brighter future for the people of Adamawa State. His tireless dedication to improving education, security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy has transformed lives and communities across the state. His achievements have not only addressed the challenges of today but have also laid the groundwork for a prosperous future. Governor Fintiri’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when a leader governs with vision, integrity, and a commitment to the people.

In celebrating his birthday today, we pause to celebrate these accomplishments, it is imperative to recognize that they reflect a deeper commitment to the well-being of every citizen. As Governor Fintiri continues to steer Adamawa towards progress, it is clear that his leadership will leave an enduring legacy, one that future generations will look upon with pride. We thank him for his service, his vision, and his dedication, and we stand with him as he continues to work for a better, brighter Adamawa State.

In times of crisis, Hajiya Lami has shown that her heart remains with the people of Adamawa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she extended a hand of support to those hardest hit by the health and economic challenges. From encouraging preventive measures to providing essentials for vulnerable families, her leadership during this unprecedented time shows her dedication to the well-being of her people. She did not just talk about the need for care and caution; she was actively involved in efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, providing tangible assistance to those who needed it most.

Her acts of kindness are not limited to health initiatives alone. Hajiya Lami has also extended her support to families with triplets, offering them financial assistance, baby supplies, and other essentials to help ease their burden. These acts of goodwill, though seemingly small, are monumental for the families she touches. Her ability to connect with the daily struggles of ordinary citizens, particularly women and children, speaks to her empathetic nature and her understanding of the challenges faced by the less privileged.

Happy Birthday to a true colossus, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri!

Your visionary leadership and commitment to progress will continue to inspire us all. May this new year bring you even greater wisdom, strength, and success as you lead with courage and compassion. Here’s to many more years of impactful service! I wish you well!

A TRIBUTE TO THE QUIET FORCE

In celebrating the remarkable Hajiya Lami Umaru Fintiri on her birthday, it is fitting to reflect on her profound contributions and enduring legacy. This tribute seeks to capture, in part, the essence of what she represents—a woman of exceptional compassion, leadership, and service. The observations presented here stem from a thoughtful and meticulous consideration of just a few of her many accomplishments. The purpose of this tribute is to celebrate a worthy heroine a great woman whose dedication has touched countless lives. In doing so, we also encourage her to continue her inspiring work for the betterment of society.

On this special occasion, we gather to celebrate Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the First Lady of Adamawa State, a woman whose remarkable compassion and commitment to humanity have profoundly impacted the lives of many. As the supportive and steadfast partner of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Hajiya Lami plays an indispensable role in her husband’s personal and political success, offering guidance, strength, and inspiration through every challenge they have faced together. Her quiet yet powerful influence goes beyond the boundaries of her home, reaching many parts of Adamawa State, where her humanitarian efforts have changed lives, uplifted communities, and transformed the narrative of public service.

One of Hajiya Lami’s most notable contributions to society has been through her Fresh Air Pro-Life Empowerment Foundation, a platform that has revolutionised healthcare delivery in rural areas. Recognising the pressing need for accessible healthcare services, especially for women and children, she spearheaded the commissioning of seven mobile clinics that now serve various local government areas. These mobile clinics are not just healthcare facilities; they represent hope for communities that previously had little or no access to medical care. Her commitment to maternal health and her determination to support underprivileged citizens demonstrate her deep sense of responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind.

Hajiya Lami’s compassion extends far beyond healthcare. Known as “Uwar Marayu” (Mother of Orphans), she has become a guardian to some of the most vulnerable members of society—abandoned and orphaned children. Her efforts in sponsoring surgeries for infants with life-threatening conditions, such as congenital hydrocephalus, have given these children a second chance at life. Her direct involvement in their care, from ensuring successful surgeries to securing their well-being at orphanages, speaks volumes about her motherly love and her desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Her Excellency’s humanitarian work also reaches young girls, as she is passionate about promoting menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and reproductive health education. In a society where access to sanitary products and awareness of menstrual hygiene is limited, Hajiya Lami has taken it upon herself to not only distribute sanitary pads and hygiene kits to girls in secondary schools but also to educate them on the importance of menstrual health. Her efforts have empowered young women to take control of their health and well-being, ensuring that they can attend school and lead healthy lives without the burden of stigma or lack of resources.

In times of crisis, Hajiya Lami has shown that her heart remains with the people of Adamawa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she extended a hand of support to those hardest hit by the health and economic challenges. From encouraging preventive measures to providing essentials for vulnerable families, her leadership during this unprecedented time shows her dedication to the well-being of her people. She did not just talk about the need for care and caution; she was actively involved in efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, providing tangible assistance to those who needed it most.

Her acts of kindness are not limited to health initiatives alone. Hajiya Lami has also extended her support to families with triplets, offering them financial assistance, baby supplies, and other essentials to help ease their burden. These acts of goodwill, though seemingly small, are monumental for the families she touches. Her ability to connect with the daily struggles of ordinary citizens, particularly women and children, speaks to her empathetic nature and her understanding of the challenges faced by the less privileged.

Hajiya Lami’s dedication to justice and equity is equally noteworthy. In cases involving abuse and violence against women and children, she has been a vocal advocate for justice. She personally intervenes to ensure that victims receive not only the care and support they need but also that the perpetrators are held accountable. Her commitment to eradicating violence and discrimination against women and children reflects her broader vision of a society where everyone, regardless of their gender or background, can live free from fear and oppression.

As we celebrate Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on her birthday, it is clear that her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and service. Her altruistic emotions are not motivated by political gain but by a genuine desire to uplift those around her. She is a true silver lining in Adamawa State, and her impact will continue to inspire generations to come. In her, we find the embodiment of quiet power—a woman who, through her actions and her heart, has changed lives and contributed to a better, more compassionate society.

Happy Birthday, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri. May you finish well and strong.