By Zayyad I. Muhammad
The Adamawa International Conference Center ( AICC) is not merely for aesthetics or jamborees, nor is it the white elephant project that opposition voices and critics of the current administration in Adamawa State have portrayed it to be. The AICC is a forward-thinking investment designed to meet both the current and future needs of Adamawa.
In Nigeria, large infrastructure projects are often met with skepticism and outright dismissal. Yet, history has repeatedly vindicated such investments.
When former Governor Boni Haruna initiated the demolition and modernization of the Jimeta Main Market, he faced strong resistance and condemnation, even public prayers and Al-Qunut were organized to stop it. Ironically, the same critics are now beneficiaries of the market, which continues to serve their children and grandchildren.
Similarly, when the Fintiri administration initiated the Unity Flyover and Underpass (UFU) at the Old Police Roundabout, opponents dismissed it as an “audio project” that would never be completed. Today, the UFU is not only easing traffic but also serving as a central attraction, frequented by youths and even prominent politicians who use it as a symbol of progress and pride.
During his tenure as Governor of Kano State (1967–1975), Audu Bako launched several visionary projects that were criticized at the time as unnecessary. Today, those very projects are recognized as foundational to Kano’s development.
The same was said about the Third Mainland Bridge Lagos, the longest in Africa, when it was proposed. Critics called it a white elephant, but today it stands as a lifeline for Lagos traffic management.
When the Sheraton Hotel Abuja was built in what was then considered the “bush” of Abuja, it was mocked. Today, that “bush” is the heart of the capital.
Even former President Shehu Shagari visited Abuja, he expressed concerns about the location of Aso Rock Presidential Villa during the early development of the Federal Capital Territory, referring to it as “the bush.” History has since proven otherwise.
Some critics have referenced the Gombe International Conference Center as an underutilized facility. But that is not a flaw of its visionaries, it reflects a lack of effective management, not a lack of foresight. The project itself remains commendable.
Critics of the AICC often reduce it to “just a meeting hall with an auditorium.” But the Adamawa International Conference Center is far more than that, it is a world-class economic and multifunctional facility. Its components include:
A. Core Conference Facilities:
1. 1,000-Capacity Multipurpose Hall
2. 350-Capacity Auditorium
3. 100-Capacity Seminar Room
4. Syndicate Rooms
5. Pre-Function Gathering Area
B. Hospitality & Commercial Facilities:
6. Restaurant / Franchise Diners
7. Kitchen and Catering Facilities
8. Shops and Cafés
C. Support and Operational Facilities:
9. Circulation / Access to Main Function Zone
10. Medical Support Unit
11. Ancillary Spaces and Services
12. Security / CCTV Operations Unit
D. Outdoor and General Amenities:
13. Landscaped Concourse Area
Opposition and dissent are vital elements of representative democracy, and they must be respected. However, our evaluation of development must go beyond partisanship. One of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s standout leadership qualities is his methodical approach, he doesn’t simply wake up and decide to build a flyover, a conference center, or a shopping complex.
Every project, program, or policy undergoes thorough research, analysis, and stakeholder consultation before implementation.
We must learn to envision tomorrow through the lens of today, or risk being left behind.
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 29th, 2025, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri will, Insha Allah, officially flag off this landmark project.
Zayyad I.Muhammad writes from Abuja.
