Adamawa State Governor Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has flagged off the construction of a state-of-the-art International Conference and Events Centre in Yola, a major step toward boosting tourism, business, and infrastructure development in the state.
According to tgnews, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Fintiri described the centre as a bold step to position Adamawa as a leading destination for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, promising jobs, tourism, and economic growth.
“We are here again, fulfilling our trademark of delivering good governance through projects that place Adamawa on the map of progress,” Fintiri declared to a cheering crowd of dignitaries, community leaders, and residents.
We are here again, fulfilling our trademark of delivering good governance through projects that place Adamawa on the map of progress
The new centre, set to be completed within 12 months, will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including galleries, mini halls, administrative offices, a restaurant, a tea room, outdoor seating, and a reliable power supply.
Fintiri highlighted the centre’s potential to boost Adamawa’s economy by attracting national and international events such as conferences, political gatherings, and award ceremonies. “This centre will draw patronage from across Nigeria and beyond, thanks to the Yola International Airport,” he said.
“It will create jobs for our youths, increase our revenue, and spark development in surrounding towns with new roads and markets.”
The governor emphasized his administration’s focus on the MICE industry—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—urging authorities to engage global event planners to showcase Yola’s readiness to host major events like those of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). “In the next 12 months, Yola will be ready to host the world,” he said.
Yola now boasts the best hassle-free road network for a city its size in Nigeria
Marking his two-year anniversary since his renewed mandate, Fintiri used the occasion to highlight his administration’s achievements. He pointed to improved road networks, rural electrification projects, and a 27-year-old Yola Stadium nearing completion.
“Yola now boasts the best hassle-free road network for a city its size in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the state’s Ease of Doing Business score rose from 5.25 in 2021 to 5.86 in 2023, climbing 10 positions nationally.
Fintiri also celebrated progress in education, noting that Adamawa leads the Northeast in WAEC and NECO performance, with over 65% of students achieving five credits, including Mathematics and English, for three consecutive years. Free basic education, fully funded WAEC and NECO fees, and new smart schools have driven this success.
In healthcare, new hospitals, renovated clinics, and a competitive salary structure for medical staff have made Adamawa a leader in health indices in the Northeast.
We’ve reduced governance costs by over 40% and repaid over 50% of our debt, earning a BBB+ investment rating
The governor touted fiscal discipline, with Adamawa ranking in the top five in Nigeria’s State Fiscal Transparency League Table since 2023. “We’ve reduced governance costs by over 40% and repaid over 50% of our debt, earning a BBB+ investment rating,” he said.
The State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme has streamlined business registration and land transactions, fostering a competitive business environment.
Addressing critics, Fintiri dismissed calls to “slow down” on projects, listing initiatives like free education, subsidized transport through Fresh Air Buses, and women and youth empowerment via the Fintiri Business Wallet. “There is nothing to slow down on,” he said.
We are pressing the accelerator to do more for our people. There is nothing to slow down on
“We are pressing the accelerator to do more for our people.” He also brushed off political distractions, vowing to focus on governance over electioneering. “When the season for elections comes, we shall make them lose again, as we have always done,” he added, drawing applause.
Fintiri reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive Adamawa where “no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.” As he broke ground for the conference centre, he called on residents to support his vision for a prosperous future. “This project is not just about today; it’s about building the Adamawa of tomorrow,” he said.
No one is left behind and nothing is left untouched
The ceremony, attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and community members, signals another step in Fintiri’s mission to transform Adamawa into a commercial and tourism hub. With the conference centre set to open in 2026, Yola is poised to become a destination for global events, promising a brighter future for the state.
