By Pet Nathan
The newly inaugurated Chairman of Ganye Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Kamsobi Puren, has outlined an ambitious people-centred development agenda aimed at creating opportunities for young people, improving rural livelihoods and strengthening security in one of Nigeria’s agrarian border communities.
After taking the oath of office, Puren told journalists that his administration would focus on programmes that directly improve the lives of residents through investments in youth empowerment, modern agriculture, healthcare, rural infrastructure and community safety.
He described young people as the driving force behind the area’s future, promising initiatives that will equip them with practical skills, encourage innovation and connect them with opportunities in the creative, technology and entrepreneurship sectors.
According to the chairman, meaningful engagement of youths is essential to tackling unemployment, reducing drug abuse and preventing criminality.
“We want to create an environment where our young people can discover their talents, build businesses and contribute positively to society instead of being vulnerable to crime and substance abuse,” he said.
Puren also pledged to expand road infrastructure across rural communities to improve access to farms and local markets, saying better connectivity would boost economic activities and improve the livelihoods of farming families.
Recognising agriculture as the backbone of Ganye’s economy, he said his administration would promote smart farming methods to help farmers increase productivity, improve food security and adapt to changing agricultural realities.
On healthcare, the chairman promised renewed attention to primary healthcare services to ensure rural communities have greater access to essential medical care.
He further disclosed plans to strengthen partnerships with development organisations and humanitarian agencies to attract investments that will improve social services and expand economic opportunities for residents.
Addressing security concerns, particularly kidnapping, banditry and criminal activities associated with illegal mining, Puren said his administration would work closely with neighbouring local governments, security agencies and the military to improve safety across the border region.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration and the presence of military personnel would help restore peace and encourage economic growth.
The chairman also highlighted Ganye’s rich natural endowments, including fertile agricultural land, solar energy potential and gold deposits, saying these resources would be harnessed responsibly to create jobs and stimulate sustainable development.
Puren commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for fostering what he described as a peaceful democratic environment where political competition can flourish regardless of party affiliation.
He noted that the emergence of elected council chairmen from different political parties demonstrates the state’s commitment to democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.
Calling on residents to support his administration, the chairman assured the people of Ganye that transparency, inclusiveness and community participation would guide every stage of his government’s development agenda.
