Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has directed that no child of school age should be found roaming the streets of the state as schools reopen for a new academic session.
Fintiri stated that his administration had improved school infrastructure, provided teaching personnel and supplied instructional materials to create a conducive environment for learning across the state.
The governor said children found on the streets without valid reasons would not be punished, but their parents or guardians would be traced and held accountable in line with the state’s education law.
He made the remarks on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Catholic Church on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Yola.
Fintiri described the Catholic Church as an important stakeholder in the development of Adamawa State, appreciating the Christian community for its support, understanding and prayers for his administration.
He said government could not address all the challenges confronting the state alone, stressing the need for continued collaboration with religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to him, his administration had invested substantially in infrastructure, education, human capital development, peace and security, while also creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
The governor noted that the increasing number of businesses, hotels and other developments across the state indicated growing economic activities in Adamawa.
He also urged investors to explore the opportunities available in agriculture, livestock and solid minerals, saying the state was endowed with significant economic potential.
Fintiri acknowledged that no administration could complete every development project within an eight-year tenure, explaining that his government had focused on laying a solid foundation for subsequent administrations to build upon.
He further appealed to residents to preserve peace, unity and mutual understanding, particularly as the state approaches another political period.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Very Reverend Anselm Kachalla, who spoke through its spokesman, Sir John Ndasaya, commended the governor for his investments in infrastructure and human capital development.
The Saint Teresa’s Cathedral community specifically acknowledged the renewal of road networks and public facilities across the state, describing the projects as evidence of the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the governor’s continued support for the Christian community and assured him of its prayers for wisdom and strength as he continues to serve the people of Adamawa State.