2027: I’ll use unity to fight poverty in Adamawa — APC guber aspirant

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By Luminous Jannamike

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ABUJA — A governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Dr Salihu Girei, on Monday said he would use unity as a practical tool to fight poverty, insisting the state’s diversity must be harnessed for development, not division.

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Poverty remains widespread in the state despite its abundant human and natural resources, a trend Girei said requires deliberate policies anchored on inclusive growth and social investment.

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Girei, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, spoke in Abuja shortly after submitting his nomination form, outlining priorities across education, youth empowerment, healthcare, women’s development and agriculture, while expressing confidence in a credible electoral process.

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He pledged free, quality education for all children, irrespective of background, describing it as the foundation for long-term development.

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On the state’s demographics, he noted that youths make up about 60 per cent of the population and said they must be equipped with practical skills to drive self-reliance as public sector opportunities shrink.

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He added that women would be empowered through education and targeted skills programmes aimed at boosting household incomes and strengthening community resilience.

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On healthcare, Girei said access to free services would be improved, especially for women and children in rural communities where vulnerability remains high.

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Turning to agriculture, he said productivity remains low despite the state’s agrarian base, with farmers earning less while intermediaries benefit disproportionately.

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According to him, correcting the imbalance across the agricultural value chain would be key to raising productivity and improving incomes.

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“I understand poverty personally. I come from a humble background. My vision for Adamawa State is centred on unity and prosperity,” he said.”

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On the political climate, the aspirant said the Adamawa governorship race is open and expressed confidence in a level playing field within the APC.

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He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his democratic credentials and said reforms in the Electoral Act would ensure transparency, expressing optimism that the party’s candidate would emerge through a fair and competitive process.

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