By Abubakar Muhammad Adamu
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Wednesday featured in a special live programme on Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Yola, where he addressed critical issues relating to governance, development, and public welfare across the state.
During the interactive session, Governor Fintiri outlined his administration’s strides in sectors such as education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation.
On healthcare, he announced the construction of eight new cottage hospitals and the upgrade of existing secondary health facilities with modern equipment.
He also disclosed that recruitment of qualified personnel is underway to enhance service delivery.
Addressing security, the governor assured citizens that the state has witnessed a significant reduction in insecurity.
He also revealed that the Health Management Board is currently conducting a staff audit to identify vacancies for recruitment.
In the education sector, he disclosed plans to recruit holders of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) into primary schools once staff verification is concluded.
To combat unemployment, Governor Fintiri announced that 4,000 youths will be engaged across ministries, boards, and parastatals.
Furthermore, he stated that each local government area has been allocated 300 hectares of land to support farming initiatives and boost food security.
The governor also addressed the controversy surrounding the proposed chieftaincy bill currently before the State House of Assembly, dismissing the uproar as the work of mischief-makers.
He clarified that the bill is designed to ensure smooth traditional leadership succession, citing the recent challenges in the Lunguda and Mbula chiefdoms as justification for the legislation.
Fintiri emphasized that traditional rulers were consulted in the drafting process.
On economic empowerment, Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) scheme, which provides N50,000 grants to small business owners.
He also threw his weight behind a bill seeking to extend the tenure of local government chairmen from two to three years, while confirming that civil service promotions will continue under his administration.
The programme featured a live question-and-answer segment, allowing residents to interact directly with the governor on matters affecting their communities.
Following the broadcast, Governor Fintiri toured ABC’s newly acquired broadcast equipments.