Nigeria 65th Independence: Adamawa Auditor-General Praises Fintiri

Nigeria turned 65 this year, and across the nation, citizens reflected on how far the country has come since that iconic day in 1960. In Adamawa State, the celebration carried a mix of pride, gratitude, and renewed calls for accountability in government.

For many in Yola, the capital city, the day began with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural displays that reminded people of Nigeria’s resilience. Streets were painted in green and white, and schoolchildren marched under the blazing sun with songs of freedom echoing through the air.

Amid the festivities, the state’s Auditor-General, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Biri, delivered a heartfelt Independence message. His words were not just ceremonial. They touched on the lifeblood of governance—public trust, transparency, and accountability.

“On this solemn yet hopeful occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, I extend warm greetings to the people of Adamawa State and to all Nigerians,” he began, setting the tone for a reflection that balanced celebration with responsibility.

For Biri, Independence Day was more than just a remembrance of Nigeria’s freedom. It was a chance to remind public officers and citizens that democracy can only survive when institutions remain strong. He pointed directly to the audit function as one of the most important pillars of governance.

He explained that audits safeguard public resources, ensure money is well spent, and help citizens trust their leaders. In his words, “This day invites us to reflect on the institutions that uphold our democracy, and none is more central to that task than the public audit function, which safeguards public resources and underpins citizens’ trust in government.”

That message resonated across Adamawa. At tea shops where young men gathered after the parade, conversations about leadership and money management flowed naturally. Many agreed that without transparency, Independence Day celebrations would ring hollow.

Biri did not shy away from giving credit where it was due. He praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for supporting the Office of the Auditor-General. He highlighted that the governor’s backing was not symbolic but practical—providing tools, resources, and independence for the office to do its work effectively.

“As Auditor-General of Adamawa State, I wish to express profound appreciation to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, Executive Governor of Adamawa State, for his steadfast support in strengthening the Office of the Auditor-General,” Biri said.

He explained that under Fintiri’s administration, the audit office had enjoyed better operational capacity and independence. With new support structures, his team had been able to conduct compliance checks, value-for-money audits, and regular monitoring with professionalism and fairness.

These reforms, he said, have strengthened internal controls and ensured that public funds are used wisely. For ordinary citizens, this meant better delivery of services, more transparency, and less waste in government spending.

In recent years, Adamawa’s audit office has also earned recognition nationwide. From a Service Ambassador Award to national honors for transparency and accountability, the institution has shown that it is possible for public service to combine integrity with excellence.

Biri reminded citizens that such recognition was not for him alone but for the entire audit team, whose dedication and professionalism had pushed Adamawa into the spotlight as a model of fiscal discipline.

As the Independence Day festivities continued—children waving flags, elders recalling Nigeria’s early struggles, and women dancing to drums—the Auditor-General’s message lingered. He urged not only public officers but also ordinary citizens to embrace integrity and stewardship in daily life.

He called for collaboration, honesty, and unity as Nigeria moves forward. “With continued collaboration and prudent governance, Adamawa State will sustain fiscal credibility and accelerate inclusive growth for our people,” he said.

For many Adamawa residents, those words carried weight. In a country where conversations about corruption often dominate the news, hearing state officials emphasize accountability gave people a renewed sense of hope.

In the crowded streets of Jimeta, a market trader, Musa, said he wished such words would turn into action across all states. “We just want money to be used well. If they say they are building schools, let us see the schools. If they say they are repairing hospitals, let us see the hospitals,” he told The Gazette News.

Others shared the same sentiment—that independence was not just about freedom from colonial rule but also about freedom from poor leadership, waste, and mismanagement.

The day ended with fireworks in Yola, lighting up the skies in green and white. Yet the highlight for many civil servants and observers was Biri’s call for unity between leaders and citizens. His Independence message did not only celebrate Nigeria’s journey but reminded everyone of the work that still lies ahead.

For Adamawa State, the bond between Governor Fintiri and the Auditor-General’s office may be a sign of progress, showing that when institutions are empowered, citizens benefit directly.

As Biri closed his address, his words carried the emotion of a man who believes in service above self:

“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. Long live Adamawa State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”