As part of activities marking his sixth anniversary in office, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an ultramodern International Conference and Event Centre in Yola.
The project, awarded to Messrs Lubell Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of ₦18.972 billion, is expected to serve as a strategic economic infrastructure aimed at boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), attracting investors, and generating employment opportunities.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the State Secretariat Complex, Governor Fintiri described the centre as a milestone investment designed to reposition Adamawa within Nigeria’s hospitality and event-hosting landscape.
“This project is not just a structure; it is an investment in the future of Adamawa. It will attract high-calibre political, business, and academic events, and will serve as a driver of economic growth in the state,” he said.
The centre, once completed, will feature a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, 360-capacity auditorium, 100-seat seminar room, syndicate rooms, restaurants, cafés, retail outlets, medical and security infrastructure, CCTV operations, and landscaped surroundings.
Governor Fintiri noted that the proximity to the Yola International Airport enhances the viability of the project, positioning the state as a potential hub in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
“We are targeting major national and international events. In the next 12 months, Yola will be ready to host the likes of NBA, ICAN, and CIBN conferences. We are building infrastructure to match our investment drive,” he added.
The governor said the initiative also aligns with his administration’s broader urban renewal agenda, including the construction of modern roads, the revival of the Yola Stadium, and over 30 rural electrification projects across several LGAs.
He further disclosed that his administration is in discussions with renewable energy investors for the establishment of solar farms and mini-grid systems to support reliable power supply for such facilities.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Pirambe, in his remarks, assured residents of the project’s timely completion. He described the project as “a game-changer that will redefine Adamawa’s economic and urban future.”
The event was attended by members of the state executive council, traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and representatives of the contracting firm.
