Barr. Wali Yakubu rolls out Fintiri’s epoch milestones in sports, youth dev
The Adamawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Barrister Wali Yakubu, has outlined a string of impressive achievements recorded under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, particularly in the areas of sports infrastructure, youth empowerment, and policy reforms.
Speaking during an interview with newsmen in Yola on Tuesday, Yakubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revive sports and empower youth across the state.
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According to the Commissioner, the Fintiri administration inherited a decaying sports sector with limited facilities when it came on board.
However, the story has since changed with deliberate investments and reforms aimed at repositioning sports and youth development.
“One of the most significant projects that defines the government’s commitment to sports is the construction of the ultramodern stadium in Yola,” Yakubu stated.
He noted that the project, which was abandoned for several years, was revived by the present administration to provide a befitting arena for sporting activities and major events.
He explained that the delay in commissioning the project was due to the government’s decision to expand the scope of work.
“Initially, the contract covered only the VIP stand, but considering the hot weather in Adamawa, we decided to roof the entire stadium and also provide a standard training pitch. We have also awarded contracts for basketball and handball courts to make the complex a full-fledged sports hub,” he said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the main stadium is already at 90 percent completion, with all the seats delivered and awaiting installation once the popular stands are completed. He emphasized that the Fintiri administration’s vision is to deliver not just a football ground but a modern multi-sports complex with adequate parking space, drainage systems, and world-class facilities before the official commissioning.
Beyond Yola, Yakubu said the government has taken sports development to all parts of the state through the construction and upgrade of mini stadiums across the three senatorial zones.
“We built a mini stadium in Madagali for the Northern Zone, upgraded the Numan stadium for the Central Zone, and rehabilitated the Ganye stadium for the Southern Zone. This ensures that young athletes across the state can access quality facilities and develop their talents close to home,” he said.
Speaking on participation in national competitions, Yakubu noted that Adamawa State has performed remarkably well in recent years. “In the last National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, we won about 11 medals, including several silver and bronze. Though we didn’t get gold, it was our best outing in years, and it shows the impact of our renewed focus on sports,” he added.
On the controversy surrounding land encroachment at the Jimeta ultramodern stadium site, Yakubu confirmed that the government has taken legal and administrative measures to reclaim all public lands from speculators.
“Out of the hundreds of people who built on the land, only nine presented documents, and even those were acquired after government had announced its intention to reclaim the land. That land originally belongs to the state government and was designated for a sports complex covering about 84 hectares. We will recover every portion needed for the project, especially areas meant for parking and other facilities.”
In the area of youth development, the Commissioner said Adamawa has also made historic progress. He revealed that the state recently developed a comprehensive Youth Policy Document the first of its kind in the entire Northeast, which aligns with the United Nations’ framework for youth empowerment.
“Before the end of this month, the Honourable Minister of Youth and the UN Ambassador representing America will be in Adamawa to officially sign the policy document. It will serve as a roadmap for youth empowerment and attract investment into the sector,” he said.
Yakubu also highlighted ongoing partnerships with UNICEF and other international agencies aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating vulnerable young people, especially those affected by insurgency.
“We are currently training 15 youth champions selected from over a thousand applicants to go around communities educating people on child rights, protection, and anti-drug campaigns,” he said.
He reaffirmed Governor Fintiri’s undiluted commitment to nurture the next generation through sports and youth programs.
“Our goal is to give Adamawa youths a sense of hope, pride, and purpose. Through sports, we build unity; through empowerment, we build the future,” Yakubu declared.
