Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has paid glowing tribute to the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Dami Mamza, describing him as “a fearless intercessor for peace whose life work restores hope and trust among the people.”
The governor gave the commendation during the 15th, 16th, and 17th combined convocation ceremony of Adamawa State University, Mubi, held on Saturday, where Bishop Mamza was among distinguished Nigerians honored with the institution’s Honorary Doctorate Award for his contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian work, and moral leadership in the state.
In a hall filled with dignitaries—including the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta; the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley; the Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Clement; and the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Maxwell Gidado—Governor Fintiri’s speech resonated deeply with emotion and conviction.
“Most Reverend Dami Mamza is a fearless intercessor for peace,” the governor said. “His leadership in communities affected by conflict has restored unity, rekindled hope, and rebuilt trust among our people. His life’s work reflects the transformative power of faith practiced in service to humanity.”
The event, attended by eminent personalities including Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and Bishop Matthew Kukah, became more than just a convocation—it turned into a moral reminder of how faith, scholarship, and leadership can transform society.
Fintiri said the state was proud to count Bishop Mamza among its heroes, describing his recognition as “a symbol of what courage and compassion can achieve in a fractured world.”
The governor emphasized that education remains “the only hope for the ordinary man,” linking Mamza’s advocacy for moral rebirth and peace to the government’s own agenda of transforming education in Adamawa.
He told the graduating students that their success goes beyond certificates.
“Your education is not just about the degree you receive today,” he said. “It is a tool for building peace, solving problems, and serving humanity. When all else fails, it is your knowledge, your integrity, and your compassion that will define your worth.”
Governor Fintiri, whose administration has embarked on far-reaching reforms in the education sector, revealed that over 5,000 new teachers are being recruited to strengthen public schools across the state.
He noted that Adamawa now operates a free and compulsory education policy at the basic level while paying for all national examinations, including WAEC and NECO.
In addition, a foreign scholarship scheme, codenamed Project Wings, has been launched to send exceptional students abroad for postgraduate studies. The first batch of 100 beneficiaries is expected to leave for Turkey soon, with another 200 slated for Canada and Australia by early 2026.
Governor Fintiri used the occasion to highlight the importance of synergy between faith-based leadership and governance, saying figures like Bishop Mamza provide moral direction in a time when Nigeria is in dire need of unity.
He described Mamza’s peace initiatives in the wake of insurgency and displacement in Adamawa as “an embodiment of courage under fire.”
The Bishop, known for his humanitarian projects under the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and his relentless campaign for reconciliation among Christians and Muslims, has been a steady voice for dialogue and tolerance.
Fintiri said his administration recognizes the value of that mission, pledging continued collaboration between the government and faith leaders to heal the wounds of conflict.
“The transformative power of faith is real,” he said. “Through voices like Bishop Mamza’s, we are reminded that peace is not a destination but a collective responsibility.”
Governor Fintiri also charged Adamawa State University to deepen its focus on research and innovation. He challenged the management to pursue solution-driven studies that would have a direct impact on society, warning that
“any knowledge that cannot solve a problem is knowledge headed for extinction.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to fund groundbreaking research, particularly in renewable energy and technology.
He further announced that the Adamawa State College of Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Studies in Ganye will begin academic activities in January 2026, designed to become a model for science-based education in Nigeria.
“We are building a knowledge-driven economy,” he declared. “And the foundation must be laid in our universities.”
The convocation also saw honors bestowed on industrialist Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, and business mogul Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, alongside Bishop Dami Mamza.
While Rabiu was recognized for his philanthropic contributions to education and national development, Mamza’s award stood out for its deep moral and humanitarian resonance.
“Today, as we recognize these noble icons,” Governor Fintiri said, “we also celebrate our beloved graduates. Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this proud moment. Go into the world as ambassadors of peace and knowledge.”
The crowd responded with applause as Bishop Mamza’s name was mentioned, with many attendees acknowledging his years of silent service to displaced persons, interfaith harmony, and community rebuilding across Adamawa and the Northeast.
The governor concluded by expressing confidence in the new graduates and reaffirming his government’s readiness to provide jobs for about 5,000 new civil servants across ministries and agencies.
He commended the Convocation Lecturer, Professor Augustine Clement, for his presentation on Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Revolutionizing Nigerian Education, noting that AI and moral education must go hand in hand.
“Indeed, AI is not just a tool,” Fintiri remarked. “It is the revolution itself.”
As the event came to a close, the atmosphere was charged with pride and renewed faith in the power of education, peace, and service—ideals that both Governor Fintiri and Bishop Mamza have come to represent in Adamawa’s evolving story.
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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