Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Saturday received a grand civic reception organised by Margi Worldwide during the unveiling of a new Margi national attire, where he reaffirmed pride in his ancestral roots and outlined the progress recorded under his administration.
Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders and representatives of various ethnic groups, Fintiri described the honour as personal and historic. He noted that his journey in public service began with the support of the Margi people, adding that his heritage shaped his values of courage, honesty and perseverance.
He paid tribute to Margi ancestors whose resilience, he said, built a community grounded in unity, dignity and hard work. The governor said he remained proud of his identity and would choose the same heritage if given a second chance at life.
Reflecting on the early days of his administration, Fintiri recalled the insecurity, infrastructural decay and declining public trust that confronted Adamawa State. He said his government prioritised peace-building, justice and cooperation, leading to what he described as the state’s recovery and its emergence as one of the most peaceful in the North-East.
He highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the declaration of free and compulsory schooling, payment of WAEC and NECO fees, reinstatement of scholarships, staff training and the establishment of model schools. “Education remains the state’s covenant with the next generation,” Fintiri said.
In the health sector, the governor cited improvements in facilities, employment of health personnel and the establishment of an ultra-modern diagnostic laboratory at the Specialist Hospital, Yola, which offers free dialysis and other services.
Fintiri also outlined youth and women empowerment programmes, job creation efforts, civil service reforms and infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions. He described governance as a process of restoring hope, not merely constructing roads.
A key feature of the event was the unveiling of the new Margi national attire. Fintiri said the outfit symbolises cultural pride and continuity, reminding Margi people worldwide of their identity and values. He urged the community to hold on to its cultural heritage, which he described as a moral compass that should not be eroded by modernity.
The governor expressed gratitude to Margi traditional rulers, including the Emirs of Askira, Uba and Gwoza, as well as the Ptil Migzir of Madagali, for their unity and support. He also acknowledged Margi communities in Adamawa, Borno and Cameroon, alongside neighbouring ethnic nationalities and royal fathers across Adamawa.
Fintiri thanked fellow governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Kefas Agbu of Taraba and Babagana Zulum of Borno, as well as PDP leaders, for their sustained support.
He reserved special appreciation for his wife, Lami Fintiri, praising her patience and sacrifice throughout his political career. He dedicated the honour to his family and the people of Adamawa, attributing the state’s progress to collective effort and divine mercy.
Fintiri assured the gathering that his administration would sustain ongoing reforms and complete projects across the state. “We are not resting; we are only retying our laces,” he said.
