At Bwatiye Festival, Fintiri Eases Pension Burden with ₦3bn Pledge

Yola, Nigeria – May 30, 2025

In a major show of commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has announced the release of ₦3 billion to offset gratuities for local government retirees across the state.

The governor made the declaration on Friday at the Bwatiye 2025 International Cultural Festival and Development Foundation Fundraising, held at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola. This latest commitment comes barely 24 hours after he pledged ₦5 billion for the settlement of state-level retirees’ gratuities during a meeting with labor leaders.

Governor Fintiri noted that the ₦3 billion for LG retirees will be disbursed starting next month. He emphasized that his administration remains focused on honoring the sacrifices made by retired workers, many of whom have long awaited their entitlements.

Speaking at the cultural festival themed “Culture and Development,” the governor congratulated the Bwatiye people for organizing a successful event, calling it a powerful display of unity, heritage, and collective progress.

“I appreciate the continued support of the Bwatiye community over the past six years. Your commitment to peace, unity, and development in Adamawa has not gone unnoticed,” Fintiri said.

The well-attended festival drew traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, technocrats, and members of the international community. Among them was Dr. Agbu Kefas, Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Taraba State, who donated ₦15 million to the fundraising drive. He praised the close cultural and historical ties between Adamawa and Taraba, calling the two states “twin sisters.”

Also speaking, Chief James Iliya, President of the Pena Da Bwatiye Development Association Worldwide, said the event was designed to reaffirm the unity of the Bwatiye people and promote shared prosperity.

With this latest gesture, Governor Fintiri continues to earn praise for placing retirees’ welfare high on his administration’s agenda, while also supporting cultural heritage and grassroots development.