By Zayyad I. Muhammad
In the heart of northern Nigeria, Adamawa State is quietly leading a transformative revolution, one that is redefining the place of women and the girl-child in society. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the state is implementing a holistic and inclusive strategy that is not only empowering women and girls through education, health, and economic participation but also changing the long-standing socio-cultural narratives that have held many back.
Governor Fintiri’s approach is unique because it goes beyond mere policy pronouncements, it penetrates homes, schools, and communities, reaching places where government impact was once unimaginable.
The administration’s interventions are practical, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the belief that empowering women is not charity, but justice; not an obligation, but the smartest investment in the future of Adamawa State.The Fintiri administration is championing educational opportunities for the Girl-Child.
Education sits at the heart of the administration’s empowerment strategy. Recognizing that an educated girl is a powerful agent of change, the government introduced a special scholarship program exclusively for female students in January 2025.
This is in addition to the free WAEC and NECO schemes, which have significantly reduced the financial burden on parents and encouraged more girls to stay in school and complete their education.
Through these initiatives, Adamawa is breaking the barriers of illiteracy and other issues that have historically limited the girl-child in many parts of northern Nigeria. The state’s focus on education is creating a generation of confident, skilled, and informed women ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Economic independence is a cornerstone of sustainable empowerment. Through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), the Fintiri administration has opened new doors for women and youth in entrepreneurship and small business development. Beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 quarterly, alongside practical entrepreneurial training in the state’s skill acquisition centers.
This initiative has not only provided financial relief but has also created a network of women entrepreneurs who are driving local economic growth, supporting families, and inspiring others in their communities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Fintiri administration’s gender inclusion policy is the bold decision to make history by selecting Professor Kaletapwa G. Farauta as Deputy Governor, the first female deputy governor in the entire North-East region of Nigeria.
Governor Fintiri’s choice of Prof. Farauta, a respected academic and administrator, underscores his deep conviction that women are capable leaders who deserve equal opportunities at the highest levels of governance. This historic political decision has not only inspired women across Adamawa but has also positioned the state as a beacon of progress and gender inclusion in the region.
Beyond that, out of the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa, 20 have female vice-chairpersons, and one LGA is chaired by a woman. In state and political offices, commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and departments, special advisers, and assistants; women are well represented, reflecting a deliberate and structured effort to implement gender balance in governance.
This commitment aligns with the United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution 1990/15, which advocates a 30% minimum proportion of women in leadership and decision-making positions, a standard Adamawa is actively meeting and even surpassing.
Complementing the governor’s policy efforts is the work of the Adamawa State First Lady, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, a passionate advocate of girl-child education and women’s welfare.
Through her pet initiative, the Fresh Air Pro-Life Empowerment Foundation and other programs , she has extended support to thousands of women, providing free antenatal and postnatal care, delivery kits, and ongoing support for nursing mothers.
Her programs are practical demonstrations of compassion and inclusion, ensuring that no woman is left behind due to poverty or lack of access to healthcare.
The ongoing recruitment of 4,000 civil servants further reflects the government’s inclusive philosophy, as women’s participation in the process has been exceptional. This not only boosts family income but also strengthens women’s visibility and contribution in the state’s public sector.
By promoting girl-child education, women’s participation in politics and leadership, economic empowerment, and universal access to healthcare, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has placed Adamawa at the forefront of gender equality and sustainable development.
Today, Adamawa stands as a model state in northern Nigeria, when it comes to girl-child education and women empowerment . The Fintiri administration has proven that progress and tradition can coexist, and that empowering women strengthens, not threatens the society.
Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja
