Fintiri inaugurates N18.9 billion international conference centre in Yola.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Conference and Event Centre in Yola as part of the events commemorating his sixth year in office.
A contract sum of ₦18.972 billion has been awarded to Messrs Lubell Nigeria Limited for the project, which is set to establish a landmark facility that will enhance Adamawa’s status as a centre for business, tourism, and investment. Upon completion, the premier centre is anticipated to enhance internally generated revenue and generate employment opportunities throughout the state.
The project aims to include a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, a 360-capacity auditorium, syndicate rooms, seminar rooms, a pre-function area, restaurants, cafés, retail outlets, kitchen and catering services, a medical unit, security infrastructure with CCTV, and landscaped surroundings.
During the ceremony at the State Secretariat Complex in Yola, Governor Fintiri described the centre as a “strategic economic investment” that will yield long-term benefits for the state’s development trajectory.
“The economic and commercial value that this project will bring to the state is both intriguing and heartwarming,” the governor stated. “Given the quality of conferences, political meetings, and social events it will host, only those lacking foresight will overlook its influence on our economy.”
Governor Fintiri highlighted the closeness of Yola International Airport, emphasising the center’s capacity to draw both local and international visitors, boost tourism, and invigorate commercial activities in surrounding communities.
This Centre is poised to elevate Adamawa into a commercial hub and catalyse development in surrounding towns and villages. Additionally, it will generate employment opportunities, as a specialised team will be required to oversee and run the facility,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that the centre plays a pivotal role in his administration’s strategy to capitalise on opportunities within the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
“Our objective is to establish Adamawa as a significant contributor in the MICE industry,” he stated. “Inform global event planners that within 12 months, Yola will be prepared to host prestigious events such as NBA, ICAN, and CIBN conferences.”
The project, he further stated, is part of a broader investment promotion initiative, emphasising the need to complement investor-friendly policies with substantial infrastructure development.
“We must establish the appropriate environment before inviting investors to Adamawa,” he stated. “This focuses on transforming our words into tangible actions.”
Governor Fintiri emphasised several significant accomplishments of his administration, such as the development of a comprehensive road network in Yola, the restoration of Yola Stadium after nearly thirty years, and the implementation of more than thirty rural electrification initiatives. He indicated active partnerships with renewable energy investors focused on the development of solar farms and mini-grids.
Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, addressed the audience and committed to completing the project within the established timeline. He praised Governor Fintiri’s leadership and vision, asserting that the new centre would transform Adamawa’s economic landscape.