Headlines
Adamawa’s 19.7 Billion Naira Blunder: Governor Fintiri’s Market Gamble Sparks Public Outrage
In a move that has ignited widespread criticism and concern, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the expenditure of 19.7 billion naira of taxpayers’ money to build a new market—a decision many see as a glaring misstep in prioritizing the needs of the people.
For a state grappling with significant healthcare challenges, this decision has left citizens and observers baffled. At a time when Adamawa urgently needs well-equipped hospitals across its three senatorial zones, the governor’s focus on constructing a market has raised serious questions about the administration’s priorities.
Zachariah C. Hyellamada PhD. a concerned citizen and vocal advocate for the people of Adamawa, has voiced the collective displeasure of the populace, challenging the governor’s rationale for such a decision. “The citizens of Adamawa State do not need a market right now; what we urgently need are hospitals that can address the alarming state of healthcare across our regions,” Dr. Hyellamada stated.
The decision to use public funds for a market that could be developed through private sector investment, particularly via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), has only added to the outrage. PPPs are a well-established mechanism for developing infrastructure without draining public resources, a practice that has seen success across various states in Nigeria. Yet, Adamawa appears to lag behind, with no significant PPP initiatives in place.
“It is inexcusable that a state like Adamawa has neither a PPP policy document nor a single implemented PPP project,” Dr. Hyellamada lamented. “Across Nigeria, markets are built by private organizations in partnership with state governments. Why should Adamawa be any different?”
Dr. Hyellamada’s concerns are shared by many who question the motive behind prioritizing a market over the dire need for healthcare facilities. With healthcare systems in Adamawa already stretched thin, the decision to allocate 19.7 billion naira for a less critical project has only deepened the public’s suspicion and discontent.
In a bold move, Hyellamada and the Adamawa Integrity Group have called upon the Commissioner of Trade, Commerce, and Industries to publicly disclose the bidding process that led to this substantial allocation. “Transparency is a constitutional right,” Dr. Hyellamada asserted, demanding full access to the documents and processes that culminated in the governor’s decision.
This growing call for accountability and transparency reflects a broader sentiment among the people of Adamawa who feel their needs are being ignored in favor of projects that do not directly benefit them. The clamor for hospitals, schools, and improved infrastructure continues to grow louder, with many urging Governor Fintiri to reconsider his priorities.
As the controversy surrounding this project intensifies, the question remains: Will the governor listen to the voices of his constituents and redirect funds to the areas that truly matter, or will Adamawa continue down a path of misplaced priorities?
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to utilise the Eid-el-Maulud celebration for introspection and prayers for the nation.
The Director-General of NOA, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, also acknowledged the efforts of the current administration in addressing economic challenges and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Deputy Director of Press, Mr Paul Odenyi, Issa-Onilu noted that the administration is working tirelessly to develop the country.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness, tolerance, peace, love, and fairness exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.
Specifically, Issa-Onilu called on Nigerians to offer prayers for wisdom and guidance for President Bola Tinubu to lead Nigeria to its rightful place among developed nations.
“I urge the Muslim community to offer supplications to God for wisdom and guidance for President Bola Tinubu to lead Nigeria to its rightful place among developed nations,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also advised Nigerians to refrain from engaging in any form of lawlessness during the public holiday.
He assured Nigerians that the government had put measures in place to ensure the protection of lives and property during the holiday and beyond.
Alake restates Tinubu’s commitment to improving senior citizens’ welfare
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens in the country.
Alake said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikoro-Ekiti, his country home.
According to the minister, Tinubu is determined to accord dignity to senior citizens by giving them a new lease of life in line with his Renewed Hope Mantra.
Alake said that senior citizens had been adequately factored in all the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
NAN reports that Alake had on Saturday, distributed 1,200 bags of rice to the elderly in Ekiti, irrespective of the political party they belonged to.
He thanked the president for listening to the people and demonstrating a caring heart, noting “1,200 bags of rice was made available to me and each minister to further supplement the established channels of distribution.
“We need to reach out to our aged fathers and mothers at times like this to demonstrate the Omoluabi values of taking care of the old in the community.
“In the spirit of inclusion, it is important that we channel this intervention to mainly elderly citizens.
“This is because they do not have the strength to compete for welfare goods such as these at the established centres. We have taken their inventory and we are delivering it to them.
“Subsequent interventions will target other segments of the populace, such as widows, orphans, persons living with disabilities and students in higher institutions of learning,” he said.
The minister said that the onus was on the people to care for the elderly by focusing on issues affecting them, adding that every individual would grow old and require the support of the younger generation at some point in life.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has rejoiced with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulud celebration, to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Oluremi in a message to mark the occasion on Monday in Abuja, urged the Muslims to use the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of love, kindness, and tolerance of Prophet Muhammad.
In her words, “This will help us to build a stronger community and a more harmonious society.
“I felicitate with the Muslim Ummah across our great nation as we celebrate this year’s Maulud Nabiyy, the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
“This occasion reminds us of the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the Prophet exemplified throughout his life.
“May the blessings of this day bring joy and peace to our homes and our country,” she said.
NOA urges Nigerians to use Eid-el-Maulud for sober reflection
Alake restates Tinubu’s commitment to improving senior citizens’ welfare
Edo begins supplementary immunisation campaign in October
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