The Imperative Of Governor Fintiri’s Study Tour Of Pakistan
By Zayyad I. Muhammad
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, along with his colleagues from Borno, Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and Yobe, Governor Mai Mala Buni, have undertaken a vital study tour of Pakistan. The primary purpose of this tour is to learn and adopt international best practices in post-insurgency disaster management. This initiative underscores the commitment of these governors to restoring peace and normalcy in their states, which have been ravaged by Boko Haram’s senseless insurgency.
The tour was organized by the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), a World Bank initiative, and coordinated by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) NERSP PMC Cell, a World Bank-funded project supporting recovery and peace building in the Northeast States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe This collaboration between the states, the World Bank, and NEDC highlights the global and regional recognition of the importance of such knowledge exchange programs. The tour not only provided the governors with firsthand experience of Pakistan’s post-insurgency recovery strategies but also offered them an opportunity to network with international experts in disaster management. This exposure is expected to significantly contribute to the enhancement of recovery and resilience strategies in their respective states.
Furthermore, the study tour allowed Governor Fintiri and his colleagues to visit the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Corporation (PMDFC), LGCD, and Punjab Planning and Development Board (PnD Board) in Punjab. The governors also visited the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, PMDFC Municipal Services Projects, Islamabad Disaster Risk Management Portfolio, Khyber Project for Rural Investment and Institutional Support, Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority, and met with UN agencies.
Under Governor Fintiri’s leadership, Adamawa State has made remarkable progress in rehabilitating communities affected by insurgencies. The Fintiri administration has prioritized the rehabilitation of infrastructure, reconstruction of communities, and provision of support to enable people to resume their normal lives. This includes facilitating the return to farming, ensuring that schoolchildren can resume their education, and supporting the revival of local businesses. These efforts have been instrumental in restoring hope and stability to affected areas. Furthermore, apart from the creation of the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Restoration, the Fintiri administration has programs and projects for human capital development, including youth and women’s programs.
Despite these achievements, some critics or opposition members may question the necessity of the study tour. They may argue that the Fintiri administration has already recorded significant success in restoring affected communities to their peaceful and productive lives. However, Governor Fintiri’s decision to undertake this tour is rooted in his belief in continuous learning and improvement. He understands that there is always room for growth and that adopting new and effective strategies can further enhance the development of Adamawa State.
Governor Fintiri’s approach to governance is characterized by a commitment to knowledge-driven policies. He values the importance of exploring new frontiers and listening to advice and suggestions that can bring about positive change. This mindset has enabled him to achieve remarkable progress in just five years, a feat that many states have struggled to accomplish in decades. His administration’s success can be attributed to this dedication to learning and innovation, which drives his relentless pursuit of development and improvement for the benefit of the people of Adamawa State.
Furthermore, the insights gained from the study tour are expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting not only Adamawa today but also Adamawa tomorrow. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the Northeast governors can collectively address the challenges posed by insurgency and work towards a more resilient and prosperous Northeast region. This collaborative approach is crucial in tackling the complex issues faced by the region and underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among the states.
In conclusion, Governor Fintiri’s study tour of Pakistan is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the post-insurgency recovery efforts in Adamawa State. It reflects his commitment to continuous improvement and his belief in the power of knowledge-driven governance. By embracing international best practices and fostering collaboration with his counterparts, Governor Fintiri’s style of accepting new knowledge and suggestions is paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future for Adamawa.
Zayyad writes from Kaduna
