27/10/2026
FINTIRI @59
Osinbajo Lauds Fintiri’s Investments in Security, Healthcare, Education at 59th Birthday Lecture
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has called on African leaders to strengthen people-centred governance by addressing economic hardship, tackling corruption and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.
Osinbajo made the call on Tuesday while delivering a lecture titled “Democracy and Development: The Imperative of People-Centred Governance” at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yola, as part of activities marking the 59th birthday of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The former vice president commended Fintiri for investments in security, healthcare, education and social welfare, noting that such initiatives demonstrate how politics can improve people’s lives.
He also praised the governor for using his birthday celebration as an opportunity to discuss the future of Nigeria and Africa rather than focusing solely on personal festivities.
Osinbajo observed that although many Africans preferred democratic rule, significantly fewer were satisfied with its performance. He said public confidence in government institutions remained a concern, while economic hardship, unemployment, poor living conditions and inequality continued to undermine citizens’ expectations.
He stressed that governance must be participatory and collaborative, supported by systems that promote accountability, measure performance and ensure that government delivers tangible results for the people.
The former vice president also expressed concern over declining voter turnout in Nigeria, citing figures that fell from approximately 44 per cent in 2015 to 35 per cent in 2019 and 27 per cent in 2023.
He warned that corruption, electoral irregularities and disregard for the rule of law could further weaken public trust in democracy, particularly among young people.
Osinbajo emphasised that citizens expected democratic governance to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people if it was to retain their confidence and support.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri said birthdays should be occasions for gratitude to God and sober reflection on personal achievements and contributions to society rather than moments of self-glorification.
He explained that his experiences as a husband, father, businessman and politician had provided opportunities to serve society.
The governor said the decision to organise a public lecture was intended to encourage meaningful discussions on democracy, leadership and the responsibilities of public office holders.
He thanked Osinbajo for accepting the invitation to deliver the lecture and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of Adamawa residents, stressing that good governance must produce lasting benefits for society.
Fintiri added that the gathering of distinguished personalities provided an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s challenges and explore practical ways of strengthening democracy and accelerating national development.
The governor also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office. He said the foundation would provide scholarships and other forms of support to vulnerable members of society.
He expressed appreciation to his wife, who also celebrated her birthday, describing her as a special gift from God. He also thanked his children for their support and understanding throughout his years in public service.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, urged political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect citizens’ rights and allow people to express their opinions without fear of intimidation.
Kefas cautioned leaders against using public resources and government institutions to silence dissenting voices. He stressed that democracy thrived when citizens could freely choose their leaders, question their actions and seek political change through peaceful means.
He noted that both leaders and citizens had responsibilities to uphold, adding that public trust grew when leaders fulfilled their duties and citizens exercised their rights responsibly.
The Taraba governor also highlighted the longstanding family ties and common interests between Adamawa and Taraba states, calling for sustained peace, cooperation and mutual understanding to promote development in both states and the country.
In his remarks, the guest speaker at the event, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, emphasised the need for effective communication between government and citizens to promote understanding of public policies, strengthen democratic governance and enhance participation in the development process.
Jibrin observed that population growth presented significant challenges to governments at both national and subnational levels, particularly in providing education, healthcare, employment opportunities and essential infrastructure.
He called for improved communication to help the public understand government policies, ongoing projects and the challenges associated with governance.
The deputy Senate president further noted that the rising cost of living was partly influenced by global economic challenges, including international conflicts that had disrupted markets, increased commodity prices and raised production costs.
The event featured a panel discussion on democracy, governance and people-centred government, during which participants highlighted various development challenges and possible solutions.
Dignitaries at the birthday lecture included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), governors of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Kano states, as well as traditional rulers and other prominent personalities.
