The Adamawa State Government has rolled out a fresh phase of its flagship empowerment initiative, disbursing ₦50,000 each to 40,000 beneficiaries across the state’s 226 wards under the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA). The ₦2 billion intervention is aimed at reducing poverty, supporting small-scale businesses, and strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.
The launch ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, on behalf of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. She described the programme as a deliberate effort to uplift the less privileged, stimulate micro and small enterprises, and build a trade-friendly environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.
According to her, the empowerment scheme reflects the administration’s vision of inclusive growth, where opportunities reach every ward of the state. Beneficiaries are expected to use the funds to start or expand businesses, helping to reduce unemployment and strengthen local economies.
Alongside the empowerment drive, the Fintiri administration has also taken another step toward digital governance with the commencement of a full-scale digitization process at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The reform, which targets the Departments of Cabinet Affairs and Political Affairs, is part of the broader Adamawa 2.0 Digital Transformation Agenda,a blueprint for modernizing public administration and aligning government operations with global digital trends.
Approved by Governor Fintiri, the digitization initiative seeks to streamline workflows, enhance inter-departmental coordination, and secure official records. By replacing manual record-keeping with digital systems, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, improve transparency, and strengthen institutional memory.
As part of monitoring progress, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Awwal D. Tukur, visited the Archives Section on August 11, 2025, to assess existing systems and evaluate readiness for digitization. He interacted with staff and emphasized the importance of adapting to new digital frameworks. He was accompanied by key officials, including the Permanent Secretary for Political Affairs, Mal. Ibrahim Buba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, E-Governance, and Policy, Dr. Ahmed Hammajam Adamu; the Executive Secretary of ADIPA, Mr. Halilu Malabu; and the Special Adviser on Food Security.
Governor Fintiri’s administration has in recent years positioned technology as a central tool for governance. From automating civil service operations to launching digital platforms for citizen engagement, the government has consistently pursued reforms designed to make institutions more transparent and responsive.
Observers note that the dual initiatives, direct empowerment of citizens and digitization of government systems,highlight the administration’s two-track approach: strengthening the informal economy through support for small businesses, while modernizing state institutions to improve service delivery. Together, they are seen as critical steps toward building a resilient economy and a digitally driven government in Adamawa State.
