In the whirlwind, the hustle and bustle of the 2023 general election campaigns, one thing stood out at every stop Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, made. Community after community, emirate after emirate, chiefdom after chiefdom, all rose with joy and excitement to honour him with traditional titles. Each title was a glowing tribute to the layers of impact his administration had brought to the people.
From “Hasken Toungo, Kandan Mbula, Mutawallin Kirchinga, Arɗo Fulɓe, Tizhe Michika, Sarkin Yaƙin Mubi, Gyana Bachama, Ganbenton (Sarkin aiki) Ganye, Ndubarkam” etc. The titles kept coming, too many to recall in a single breath. It was both humbling and eexhilaratingfor me to personally witness, again and again, these gestures of gratitude and recognition for a leader whose people-centered projects have touched every corner of Adamawa.
And if you thought it stopped there, think again. Fintiri has also earned a roster of nicknames that read like a résumé of achievements: “The Fresh Air,” “Projects Master,” “The ATM,” “Mr. Capacity,” “The Bulldozer,” “The Grand Master,” “Architect and Builder of the New Adamawa of Our Dreams,” and “Father of New Adamawa,” among others. Let’s face it, if a man’s impact could be measured in monikers, nicknames, designation and lebels, Fintiri would already be in the hall of fame for I cannot remember anyone with somuch accolades.
So, as Adamawa prepares to officially present Staffs of Office to its 7 new Emirs and Kings starting in the next two weeks time, I can’t help but wonder: Are we on the brink of another wave of titles? Probably. Knowing the people of Adamawa, it’s only a matter of time before we start coining out yet some other fitting accolades for this remarkable leader.
However, as exciting as it is for me to see Fintiri recognized in so many ways, it does leave us with a rather amusing dilemma: What exactly do we call this enigma of a man? Which title captures the essence of his legacy? Surely, even the best Master of Ceremonies would stumble trying to pick just one.
So, in the interest of clarity and perhaps to spare us all the headache, I propose we settle this matter once and for all. Let’s crown Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri with a single, unifying title: “THE GOLDEN SON OF ADAMAWA.”
Why? Because gold symbolizes value, rarity, and brilliance. And like gold, Fintiri’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. From groundbreaking projects to unbiased leadership, from his openness to the people’s cries to his unwavering sense of justice and equity, he has redefined governance in ways Adamawa had never seen before.
Fintiri has led us into a new era, and era of peaceful and tranquility, one where every Adamawa citizen, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and included. He has not just governed; he has changed the narrative, the trajectory, and the very soul of governance in our state.
So, let’s make it official. The first and only Golden Son of Adamawa is none other than Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON. Those in favour, say “Aye!”
The Ayes have it!
Leader Leneke, MCIArb(UK)
Writes from the North Side of Chambaji, Yola- South.
