35 Years On, Adamawa Finds Its Way Back to Glory
Thirty-five years after its creation from the former Gongola State, Adamawa is at a pivotal moment in its history. The journey has been marked by insecurity, economic hardship and years of inadequate investment, but the state is showing signs of renewal.
From the mountains of Madagali and Michika to the plains of Numan, the commercial hub of Mubi and the banks of the Benue in Yola, Adamawa has never lacked natural and human resources. Its fertile land, diverse communities and strategic location have given it enormous potential. The challenge has always been turning that potential into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri came to office in 2019 against the backdrop of insurgency, deteriorating infrastructure and a fragile economy. Since then, his administration has made reconstruction and public investment central to its agenda.
Road construction has been among the most visible aspects of the effort. Five flyovers, including the Yola Unity Flyover and Underpass, together with the rehabilitation of township and rural roads, have reshaped parts of the state. The Jimeta Ultra-Modern Bridges and other urban renewal projects have also sought to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity.
For an agricultural state such as Adamawa, however, rural roads are as important as major urban infrastructure. Better links between farming communities and markets can reduce transportation costs, improve access to buyers and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Education is another important measure of the state’s progress. More than 6,000 classrooms have reportedly been constructed or renovated, while model schools have been established across the 21 local government areas. Investment in technical and vocational education is particularly significant for a state with a large youth population.
Healthcare has also received attention through the development of cottage hospitals, upgrades to general hospitals and investment in health sciences. But buildings alone cannot transform healthcare. Sustained improvement requires qualified staff, equipment, medicines and effective management.
Security remains the foundation on which all these gains depend. Mubi, once badly affected by insurgency, has gradually regained commercial activity, while farmers have returned to their fields and communities have begun rebuilding confidence. Protecting that progress must remain a priority.
The administration has also introduced programmes such as the Fintiri Business Wallet, agricultural initiatives and skills-acquisition schemes aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, women and small businesses. Their real test will be whether they generate sustainable livelihoods.
Supporters have described Fintiri’s tenure as a period of “restoring the glory of Adamawa”. That claim should ultimately be judged by outcomes rather than political rhetoric: safer communities, better roads, stronger schools, accessible healthcare and a more resilient local economy.
At 35, Adamawa has made important strides, but the harder task is consolidation. Infrastructure must be maintained, institutions strengthened and development extended beyond the major cities.
As the 2027 elections approach, political competition should not undermine the state’s hard-won stability. Adamawa’s future depends on preserving peace while building an economy capable of giving its young population meaningful opportunities.
Thirty-five years after its creation, the Land of Beauty remains a work in progress. But after years of adversity, its path towards renewal is becoming increasingly visible.
Article written by the Chief Press Secretary to Adamawa state Governor, Humwashi Wonosoiku