From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has flagged off the construction of a N18.97 billion International Conference and Events Centre in Yola to mark the 6th anniversary of his administration.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the state secretariat complex and coincided with the second anniversary of Fintiri’s second term in office.
The proposed state-of-the-art centre, the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, will have a seating capacity of 1,000 and is scheduled for completion within 12 calendar months.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri described the initiative as another milestone in delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to the people of Adamawa State.
“This project is part of our continuous effort to strategically position Adamawa on the map of progress and shared prosperity,” the governor said. “We are here today to break ground and formally commence the construction of an ultramodern International Conference and Events Centre at the heart of Yola.”
The governor said the Centre will feature modern facilities, including galleries, mini halls, administrative offices, a restaurant, tea rooms, outdoor seating arrangements, and uninterrupted power supply.
Fintiri emphasized the economic and commercial benefits of the project, which he said will draw high-profile national and international conferences, political meetings, awards ceremonies, workshops, graduation parties, and cultural events.
“Only the myopic will fail to see where this will place Adamawa when completed,” he said. “This project will attract socio-economic benefits and generate direct and indirect revenue for the state.”
He also used the occasion to respond to critics who have questioned his administration’s development strides.
“In fact, we are keeping the enemies of progress in Adamawa State sleepless with projects like this,” he said. “There is a grand conspiracy to drag us into election mode, but we are focused on governance, not distractions. We were not elected to respond to pedestrian tantrums—we were elected to deliver.”
Fintiri added, “When the season for election comes, we will defeat them again as we have always done. Let them keep making noise; we will keep building.”
Declaring the project officially underway, the governor said, “To the glory of God and the benefit of humanity, I now formally break the ground and flag off the construction of the Adamawa State International Conference and Events Centre, Yola.”
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to democracy through infrastructure that honors Adamawa’s cultural identity while promoting innovation.
“This Centre will not only enhance Adamawa’s image but also boost economic activity and provide a space for cultural and intellectual engagement,” he said.
The project has been awarded to Messrs Lubell Nigeria Limited and will be supervised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with Messrs Globarch Associates, the consulting firm.
The Project Consultant, Architect Saleh Yunusa, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and assured stakeholders that construction will adhere strictly to all contract specifications and timelines.