From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Executive Chairman of Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Hon. Kamsobbi Daniel Puren, has unveiled his administration’s development blueprint, pledging to implement people-centred programmes aimed at improving livelihoods during his three-year tenure.
Puren made the commitment on Thursday while addressing guests at a civic reception organised in his honour by his family and kinsmen in Yola.
He said his administration would focus on improving the living standards of residents by strengthening internally generated revenue (IGR), empowering youths, promoting agriculture, enhancing security, improving healthcare delivery, and harnessing the economic potential of the Ganye International Cattle Market and other natural resources within the council.
The chairman also pledged to replicate the developmental strides of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the grassroots level.
“Development is driven by ideas, not just money. We have resources that can be leveraged to improve our finances. It may not happen overnight, but we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” Puren said.
He noted that rural infrastructure, particularly roads linking farming communities to markets, would receive priority attention to stimulate economic activities and boost agricultural productivity.
“We will do our best to improve road connections to rural communities so that the economic viability of our local government will be boosted and, by extension, contribute to the state’s economy,” he stated.
On healthcare and youth development, Puren promised to strengthen primary healthcare services while introducing innovative programmes to connect young people with opportunities in the creative economy, technology and entrepreneurship.
“As a youth myself, youth development is my constituency. We want to expose our young people to innovation and ideas that will connect them with the wider world,” he said.
Addressing the challenge of drug abuse among youths, the chairman said his administration would prioritise youth engagement through education, skills acquisition and productive ventures.
According to him, keeping young people meaningfully engaged remains one of the most effective ways to reduce drug abuse and other social vices.
“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Once we create opportunities that engage young people meaningfully, we can reduce crime and drug abuse. Education must also be promoted, not just as a pathway to wealth but as a means of building responsible citizens,” he explained.
On security, Puren acknowledged Ganye’s strategic location along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, noting that the area faces security challenges, including cross-border crimes and illegal mining.
He said the council would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and neighbouring local government councils to develop a coordinated security framework capable of addressing emerging threats.
The chairman commended the Federal Government for establishing a military base in the area, describing the move as a significant step toward improving security.
He also called on residents to support his administration to enable it achieve its development agenda.
“We will develop a joint security model with neighbouring local governments because insecurity does not respect administrative boundaries. With the support of security agencies, we believe peace will prevail.
“We have enormous natural endowments. Our responsibility is to package these opportunities, connect with credible investors and create markets that will benefit our people,” Puren said.