Good governance: Fintiri honoured by kinsmen, unveils new Marghi nat’l attire
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State was on Saturday honoured by Margi Worldwide at a grand civic reception that also featured the unveiling of a new Margi national attire.
The event, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders and representatives of neighbouring ethnic nationalities, served as both a cultural celebration and an opportunity for the governor to reflect on his journey, identity and stewardship.
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In his address, Governor Fintiri expressed gratitude to God and reaffirming his deep-rooted pride in his Margi ancestry.
He described the Margi people as a community shaped by courage, hard work and resilience, values he said continue to define his character and leadership.
According to him, the honour bestowed on him by his kinsmen is more than ceremonial; it is a validation of a shared history and collective identity.
The governor recounted that he began his public service journey as a son of the Margi land, acknowledging the community’s unflinching support and encouragement over the years.
He noted that leadership comes with immense responsibility and that every political position is a test of character, courage and accountability.
He emphasized that the confidence his people placed in him has helped him confront challenges with faith and determination.
Reflecting on the condition of Adamawa State when he assumed office in 2019, Fintiri said the state was grappling with insecurity, dilapidated schools, weak healthcare structures and deteriorating infrastructure.
He said his administration understood early that restoring peace was the first step toward rebuilding society.
He said to achieve the noble goal, the government strengthened security not only through reinforcement but by rebuilding trust between leaders and citizens. Traditional rulers were re-engaged and empowered, as “a society that forgets its elders forgets its soul.”
The governor stated that today Adamawa stands as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East, a peace he attributed to cooperation, justice and collective resilience.
On development, Fintiri highlighted major investments in infrastructure, stating that the roads, bridges and urban renewal projects across the state were not undertaken for prestige but to ease the lives of citizens and restore public confidence. He described infrastructure as “hope made visible.”
On education, he recalled his own humble beginnings and stressed that ignorance is costly. This, he said, informed his administration’s declaration of free and compulsory education, including payment of WAEC and NECO fees for all students.
“The reintroduction of bursaries, scholarships and overseas studies, as well as the establishment of Model Schools, were measures targeted at building a future anchored on knowledge,” he said.
Similarly, the governor outlined extensive reforms in the healthcare sector, including the construction and renovation of facilities, recruitment of health professionals, procurement of modern equipment and the establishment of an ultra-modern laboratory at the State Specialist Hospital, which now offers free dialysis and diagnostic services.
Fintiri also highlighted empowerment programmes for youth and women, noting that no society thrives when its young people are idle and its women excluded.
Employment opportunities, business grants and vocational training, he said, are all part of the government’s strategy to build a self-reliant population.
He further said that his government has put strong reforms within the civil service, including sanitising payrolls, rewarding merit and restoring dignity to public service.
The event also saw the unveiling of a new Margi national attire, which the governor described as a symbol of identity, pride and continuity with the traditions of ancestors who once adorned garments such as pizhi, dzar and gumbara. He encouraged Margi people everywhere to wear the new attire with honour.
Governor Fintiri thanked the four Margi royal fathers, neighbouring ethnic communities, political allies, fellow governors, party leaders, and his family, especially his wife, Lami Fintiri for their support, just as he pledged to continue strengthening unity across ethnic lines and to sustain the developmental trajectory of Adamawa State.
