16/09/2026
FINTIRI HONOUR AS
AFRICA GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR 2026
PRESS RELEASE
AYAP APPROVES RECOGNITION OF ADAMAWA GOVERNOR FINTIRI AS AFRICAN GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR 2026.
The leadership of the African Youth Assembly for Peace (AYAP), under the leadership of Amb. Yakubu Hussain Takai, has approved the recognition of the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as the African Governor of the Year 2026, in recognition of his administration’s efforts in strengthening security, improving education and promoting youth development in the state.
Under Governor Fintiri’s leadership, Adamawa State has recorded developments across various sectors, particularly in initiatives aimed at promoting peace, improving opportunities for young people and supporting children.
SECURITY AND PEACE
Security has remained one of the key areas of focus of the Fintiri administration. The state government has continued to support security agencies with operational equipment, vehicles and other logistics to enhance their capacity to carry out their responsibilities.
The Governor has also engaged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders in efforts to address security challenges and promote peaceful coexistence. In December 2025, for instance, he met with stakeholders in Lamurde to discuss security and peace-related issues, while emphasising dialogue and community cooperation.
The state’s 2026 budget also placed significant attention on Public Order and Safety, alongside other programmes and projects connected to security and public safety.
EDUCATION
In the education sector, the Fintiri administration has pursued free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels, alongside school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment and the provision of learning facilities.
According to information published by the state government, more than 10,000 teachers have been recruited, while more than 6,000 classrooms have been constructed. The government has also established science and technical schools across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The administration has continued to support students through the payment of examination fees, including WAEC and NECO, as well as other educational support programmes and scholarships.
In 2026, the state government also launched a programme to support 24,000 out-of-school girls, with each beneficiary receiving ₦40,000 to support their return to education.
Through the Fintiri Wings programme, students from Adamawa have also received opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, with the state government reporting that more than 100 Adamawa students are studying in Türkiye under the programme.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
The Fintiri administration has also placed emphasis on creating opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship and financial support.
Under the Fintiri Business Wallet, the state government reported that about 60,000 women and youths had benefited from support to strengthen their small businesses, while the 2026 programme provides for additional support to 100,000 beneficiaries, with ₦50,000 allocated to each beneficiary.
In the area of digital skills, the government established the Adamawa Digital Academy, offering training in areas including Artificial Intelligence, software development, machine learning and digital marketing. The state government has reported that more than 10,000 youths have registered for training across 11 approved courses.
The government has also established the Adamawa State College of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studies, Gulak, aimed at promoting technical education, innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
In addition, work has commenced on the construction of a permanent NYSC Orientation Camp in Adamawa State, described by the state government as an important investment in infrastructure and the welfare of corps members.
BASIS FOR THE RECOGNITION
AYAP stated that the initiatives in the areas of security, education, youth empowerment and economic opportunities are among the factors that informed its decision to recognise Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The organisation noted the importance of investment in education, youth development and peacebuilding in creating sustainable communities, particularly in the North-East region.
According to AYAP, the recognition is intended to acknowledge the efforts attributed to the Fintiri administration towards creating an environment that supports peace, education, youth development and economic opportunities for the people of Adamawa State.
The African Youth Assembly for Peace (AYAP), under the leadership of Amb. Yakubu Hussain Takai, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among young people, governments and other stakeholders in promoting peace and sustainable development across Africa.
Signed by
Amb. Yakubu Hussain Takai
Country Director.