President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, on Friday lauded Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s transformative projects in Adamawa State. 

Mr Yahaya gave the commendation during inspection tour of some key government projects while in the state for the NUJ’s North-East zonal meeting in Yola.

The theme of the meeting was “2027 Elections, the North-East and Safety of Journalists.”

Mr Yahaya, who expressed satisfaction with the quality and scale of the projects, also said he would return to Yola with more journalists to further write about the governor’s achievements.

“The developments were not only timely but also aligned with the needs of ordinary citizens. I will return to the state with journalists from southern and eastern parts of Nigeria to enable them see the achievements recorded under the Fintiri-led administration.

“Such exposure would help deepen national understanding of the progress being made in the North-east,” he said.

The NUJ president commended Mr Fintiri for prioritising grassroots development, particularly the intervention in the Saminaka community, an area dominated by low-income earners.

He said the project would have direct impact on livelihoods and strengthen public confidence in governance.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Ishaya Dabari, who led the NUJ’s delegates said, “the project is about creating an enduring legacy, a vibrant commercial hub, and an environment that will attract investments.

“It would also foster economic growth and create jobs for our youth and our people in general.”

The commissioner said the state’s  Shopping Complex, one of the Mr Fintiri’s key projects would serve as a driver of economic activity, featuring retail outlets, food courts, office spaces, and recreational areas, among others.

Mr Dabari said that the facility would create opportunities for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs), empower local entrepreneurs, and promote economic inclusivity.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Energy Development, Mohammed Suleiman, said the completed flyovers and the expansion of Galadima Aminu way were designed to ease traffic congestion, enhance safety and reduce travel time.

He said that pedestrian bridges would also be constructed at strategic locations to improve the safety of road users.

On the 7.5km stormwater drainage project near Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School, Mr Suleiman said the project had eliminated perennial flooding around Saminaka and adjoining areas.

He also described the 20.8km Adamawa Super Highway as a major project that would open up the state capital for rapid development.

“Fintiri’s administration had executed numerous projects across the 21 Local Government Areas and intervened on Federal Roads.

“He constructed five bridges along the Mubi, Michika and Madagali Road, including a 13-span bridge.

“The state has also awarded the construction of the 24.1km Federal way from Mubi to Maiha,” Mr Suleiman said.

The NUJ Vice president, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, the NUJ state chairmen and their secretaries from Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno and Taraba States attended the event.

 (NAN)