Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across the state.

The governor made the remarks on Saturday at the 2026 Michika Annual Cultural Festival and the first anniversary celebration of the Mbege Ka Michika, Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga, held at the Government Secondary School playground in Michika.

Describing culture as a vital instrument for preserving the history, identity, and values of any society, Fintiri said the creation of the Michika Chiefdom reflects the state government’s determination to empower traditional institutions as custodians of peace, unity, and cultural heritage.

He noted that newly established traditional rulers in the state have continued to demonstrate commendable conduct, with no recorded cases of misconduct so far.

The governor urged residents of Michika to continue supporting their traditional leadership in order to deepen unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

He also assured the community of government plans to improve security and reconnect the area to the national grid to boost socio-economic development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, described culture as the soul of any people, stressing the importance of preserving traditional values to accelerate development.

Marwa called for renewed community cooperation, recalling the strong unity that once defined the area and urging its revival to promote progress. He commended Governor Fintiri for ongoing developmental projects in Michika, particularly in road infrastructure and electricity supply, while appealing for more democratic dividends for the people.

Also speaking, the Mbege Ka Michika, Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga, expressed appreciation to the governor for the creation of the Michika Chiefdom and other traditional institutions across the state.

He pledged the full support of the traditional institution to the administration’s development agenda.

Gadiga noted that recent infrastructural progress in Michika has been significant, adding that his leadership would continue to promote unity, peace, and mutual understanding among residents.

He also announced the conferment of the traditional title “Lakeka Michika” on governor Fintiri, meaning “Sword for Peace,” in recognition of his efforts toward sustaining peace and security in the area.

He further cautioned residents against indiscriminate tree felling, warning of the dangers of deforestation and environmental degradation. He also disclosed plans by the chiefdom to support education through scholarships to universities and youth empowerment initiatives focused on skills acquisition.

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of Michika Local Government Area, Dan Biyu P. Tumba, described Governor Fintiri as a beacon of hope for the people of the state.