Governor Ahmadu Fintiri  has officially launched the construction of a N18.9 billion international conference centre in Yola.

As part of activities commemorating his sixth anniversary in office, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Thursday, May 29, 2025, laid the foundation for the development of a state-of-the-art International Conference and Event Centre in Yola.

Valued at ₦18.972 billion and awarded to Messrs Lubell Nigeria Limited, the project is set to become a signature landmark, transforming Adamawa into a strategic destination for business, tourism, and investment. Upon completion, the top-tier facility is expected to significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue and open up employment opportunities for residents.

The centre will include a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, a 360-seat auditorium, syndicate and seminar rooms, a pre-function area, restaurants, cafés, retail shops, kitchen and catering services, a medical unit, advanced security systems with CCTV, and beautifully landscaped surroundings.

Speaking at the flag-off event held at the State Secretariat Complex, Governor Fintiri described the project as a “strategic economic venture” that will offer long-lasting developmental benefits to the state.

“What excites me most is the economic and commercial potential this centre will unlock for Adamawa,” the governor stated. “Given the calibre of events, conferences, and meetings it will attract, only the uninformed would fail to recognise its impact on our state’s economy.”

The governor also highlighted the centre’s location near Yola International Airport, emphasizing its capacity to attract both local and international events, strengthen the tourism sector, and stimulate business in surrounding areas.

“This project will turn Adamawa into a commercial hub and drive growth in nearby communities. It will also create employment, as skilled personnel will be needed to manage and run the centre,” he added.

Governor Fintiri revealed that the project aligns with his administration’s broader vision of tapping into the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

“We want to put Adamawa on the map as a key player in the MICE sector,” he said. “Let global event organizers know—within 12 months, Yola will be ready to host high-profile events like NBA, ICAN, and CIBN conferences.”

He further emphasized that the initiative is part of an ongoing drive to attract investments, stressing that investor-friendly policies must be supported with visible infrastructure.

“We cannot keep inviting investors to Adamawa without offering the right conditions,” he noted. “This is about backing up our promises with action.”

Governor Fintiri also recapped some of his administration’s key milestones, including the extensive road expansion in Yola, the renovation of Yola Stadium after nearly 30 years, and over 30 rural electrification projects. He also mentioned active partnerships with renewable energy firms to develop solar farms and mini-grid projects.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, pledged that the centre would be delivered on schedule. He praised Governor Fintiri’s leadership and foresight, saying the project would significantly reshape Adamawa’s economic profile.