NALGON EMERITUS APPOINTS TARABA SGS, CHIEF BARR. GEBON KATAPS, AS BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN

By Nformi Desmond 

The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON Emeritus), Taraba State Chapter.

The appointment was announced during a ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Secretary to the Government in Jalingo, where the leadership of the association formally presented him with his letter of appointment.

Speaking during the presentation, the National President of NALGON Emeritus said the appointment was in recognition of Chief Kataps' outstanding record in public service and his contributions to grassroots governance over the years.

He recalled that Chief Kataps served as an elected Local Government Council Chairman from 1997 to 2003. During that period, he also chaired the Taraba State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) before rising to become the association's National Vice Chairman.

According to the National President, the association is confident that Chief Kataps' wealth of experience will provide the leadership needed to strengthen the Board of Trustees and advance the ideals of NALGON Emeritus.

In his response, Chief Kataps thanked the leadership of the association for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as both an honour and a call to greater service.

He pledged to work closely with members of the Board of Trustees to promote unity within the association, safeguard the interests of former local government council chairmen and uphold the principles on which the body was founded.

Other members of the Board of Trustees were also inaugurated during the ceremony, marking the beginning of a new leadership phase for the association in Taraba State.

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Governor Agbu Kefas Attends Wedding Fatiha of Former Deputy Governor's Children

By Nformi Desmond

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Friday attended the Wedding Fatiha of two children of former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Armayau Dauda Abubakar, at the MCAN Mosque in Jalingo.

The ceremony solemnised the marriages of Dr. Abubakar Armayau Abubakar and Hafsat Sani Rabiu, as well as Engr. Faisal Bala Nuhu and Aisha Armayau Abubakar, in accordance with Islamic marriage rites.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Chief Imam of the MCAN Mosque, Khadi Badamasi Aliyu, announced the prescribed dowries for both marriages and offered prayers for the couples, asking Allah to bless their unions with peace, love and prosperity.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam urged the grooms to uphold the values of love, responsibility and compassion by caring for their wives, providing for their families and building homes founded on mutual respect, understanding and the fear of Allah.

Governor Kefas, accompanied by senior government officials and other dignitaries, joined the families in celebrating the occasion and congratulated the newlyweds.

The Wedding Fatiha attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, associates and well-wishers, who offered prayers for enduring peace, unity and prosperity in the new homes.

Source: Barr. Zainab Jalingo, Head of Corporate Communications, Ministry of Information and Reorientation, Taraba State.

NESREA Seeks Partnership with Taraba ACReSAL to Strengthen Environmental Protection

By Nformi Desmond

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sought a strategic partnership with the Taraba State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable development across the state.

The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the agency to the ACReSAL State Project Management Unit in Jalingo.

Speaking during the meeting, the Taraba State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Oteikwu John, said the agency, established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2007, is responsible for enforcing environmental laws, standards and regulations, while implementing international environmental conventions ratified by Nigeria.

He noted that the visit was aimed at fostering institutional collaboration, information sharing and joint initiatives that would complement ACReSAL's interventions in environmental management.

Responding, the Taraba ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr. Yakubu Giwa Clement, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the project's commitment to working closely with NESREA.

He explained that ACReSAL is a multi-sectoral intervention covering the environment, agriculture and water resources, with a focus on environmental restoration, watershed management, climate resilience, capacity building and emergency response.

Dr. Clement disclosed that the project has completed interventions in three micro-catchments and is expanding to ten additional sites across the state to address environmental degradation and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Heads of the Legal, Environmental Safeguards, and Monitoring and Evaluation units of ACReSAL also endorsed the proposed partnership, stressing the need for coordinated environmental governance, effective community engagement through the project's Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and stronger institutional collaboration.

The meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to working together to advance environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development in Taraba State.

PEACE BUREAU TAKES SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN TO BALI, URGES COMMUNITIES TO REJECT VIOLENCE

The Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management has intensified its statewide peace campaign with a sensitization programme in Bali Local Government Area, urging residents to shun violence and embrace dialogue as the foundation for lasting peace and development.

The campaign brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, herders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to discuss practical measures for strengthening peaceful coexistence and preventing conflicts in the area.

Addressing participants, the Chairman of the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, condemned recurring violence and called on communities to put an end to killings and all forms of hostility.

"It is enough. Killings, violence and acrimony among communities must end," Bishop Solomon said, stressing that peace remains essential for sustainable development and economic growth.

He urged farmers and herders to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation, noting that harmonious relationships between both groups would enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to the progress of Taraba State and Nigeria.

Bishop Solomon also commended the Executive Chairman of Bali Local Government Area, Hon. Habila Balasa, for his commitment to promoting peace and strengthening security in the council. He described the council chairman as a proactive leader whose efforts have continued to support stability and peaceful coexistence across the local government.

The Bureau reiterated its commitment to expanding its peace sensitization and conflict prevention campaigns across Taraba State, encouraging residents to resolve disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means rather than violence.

"This Is Only the Beginning" — SGS Kataps as Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship Uncovers New Tennis Talents

By Nformi Desmond

The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, says the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship marks the beginning of a sustained effort to discover and develop young tennis talents across the Northeast.

Speaking at the grand finale of the championship held on Thursday at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Kataps said the region is blessed with abundant sporting talents that require sustained support, exposure and investment to compete at higher levels.

He commended the Local Organising Committee for the successful organisation of the tournament and called on governments, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports development.

According to him, the championship is designed to provide young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for national and international competitions.

Kataps dedicated the tournament to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in recognition of the administration's commitment to youth development and sports.

Representing the Vice President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Dati commended Governor Kefas for creating a peaceful environment that enables young people to develop their talents. He described the championship as a strategic investment capable of producing future national and international tennis stars.

Representing Governor Kefas, Rt. Hon. Kizito J. Bonzena applauded the SGS for initiating the championship and urged public and private stakeholders to support programmes that positively engage young people through sports.

The championship featured Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 events, attracting young players from Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States. Beyond the competition, the tournament promoted unity, friendship and healthy rivalry among participants from across the region.

The grand finale attracted members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, officials of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, sports administrators, political stakeholders, media practitioners and tennis enthusiasts.

The National Sports Commission Northeast also honoured Governor Agbu Kefas, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to sports development.

Among the champions were Divine Denis of Adamawa (Under-17 Boys), Yaman Philip Noku of Adamawa (Under-17 Girls), James A. Noku of Taraba (Under-14 Boys), Josephine Musa of Taraba (Under-14 Girls) and Rahila James of Taraba (Under-12 Girls).

The successful maiden edition has raised expectations that the championship will become an annual platform for discovering, nurturing and producing the next generation of tennis talents from the Northeast for Nigeria and beyond.

Kefas Pledges Full Support for Army’s 10 Division in Taraba

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has pledged full support for the take-off of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division Headquarters in Jalingo.

Receiving an Army delegation led by Maj. Gen. BT Ugiagbe in Abuja, Kefas described the new division as critical for securing Taraba and the wider North-East, citing the state’s vast landmass and border with Cameroon. 

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, and confirmed that the state government will provide land and all necessary support for the headquarters.

Kefas said the division would also drive jobs, investment, and development across Taraba and neighboring Adamawa State.

Maj. Gen. Ugiagbe said the 10 Division will strengthen command structure and improve response to security challenges in both states.

TARABA POLICE, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSNERSHIP FOR SECURITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, has reaffirmed the commitment of the State Police Command to strengthening collaboration with the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) to enhance security and support economic development across the state.

The assurance was given on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Chairman of TIRS, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd.), who led members of the agency's board, directors, and heads of units to the Police Command Headquarters in Jalingo.

Speaking during the visit, Faransa said the engagement was aimed at deepening the existing relationship between the two institutions and fostering stronger cooperation in the discharge of their responsibilities to the government and people of Taraba State.

He stressed that effective collaboration among government agencies is essential for promoting good governance, public safety, and sustainable development. According to him, a peaceful and secure environment remains critical for economic activities to flourish, making partnership between security agencies and revenue-generating institutions indispensable.

In his response, CP Dongshal welcomed the delegation and commended the leadership of TIRS for prioritizing institutional collaboration. He assured the agency of the Police Command's readiness to maintain a productive working relationship that would advance the interests of the state.

The police commissioner noted that security is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that cooperation among government institutions and relevant stakeholders is key to safeguarding lives and property while creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

He also reiterated the Command's commitment to providing the necessary support, within its constitutional mandate, to enable government institutions to carry out their lawful responsibilities effectively.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest, strengthen information sharing, and explore new avenues for collaboration in support of security, governance, and the overall development of Taraba State.

TARABA'S IMPROVED SECURITY REFLECTS GOV. KEFAS' COMMITMENT TO PEACE – BISHOP SOLOMON

The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, says the relative peace currently being experienced across Taraba State is a direct result of the deliberate security and peacebuilding policies of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas' administration.

Speaking on Haske Television's Guest of the Week programme, Bishop Solomon said the state government's sustained investment in security, dialogue, and conflict prevention has significantly reduced criminal activities while strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.

He noted that Taraba's improving security profile is attracting national attention, pointing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent announcement of plans to establish a Nigerian Army Division in Taraba, alongside a few other states, as a demonstration of growing confidence in the state's security architecture and strategic importance.

According to the Bureau Chairman, the agency has intensified its peacebuilding efforts through the establishment of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms in communities across the state. He said the initiative is helping to detect and address potential conflicts before they escalate.

Bishop Solomon added that the Bureau has expanded stakeholder engagement and conflict prevention strategies as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather pace. He explained that the Bureau is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as civil society organisations to promote dialogue and prevent violence.

He said the collaborative approach has strengthened intelligence gathering, improved responses to emerging security threats, and enhanced public confidence in the state's peacebuilding framework.

The Bureau Chairman also commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies operating in Taraba State for their professionalism and dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

Reaffirming the Bureau's commitment to sustaining peace across the state, Bishop Solomon said it would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains already recorded and ensure peaceful elections before, during, and after the 2027 general polls.

He also urged residents to support government and security agencies by remaining law-abiding, reporting suspicious activities, and embracing dialogue in resolving disputes, stressing that lasting peace is a shared responsibility.

NORTH EAST TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP: ADAMAWA'S YAMAN PHILIP WINS GIRLS U-17 TITLE

By Nformi Desmond 

Yaman Philip of Adamawa State has won the Girls Under-17 title at the ongoing Dr. Agbu Kefas North East Tennis Championship after defeating Charity Ubandoma of Taraba State 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 in an exciting final at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

Yaman dominated the opening set 6-1, but Charity responded strongly to take the second set 6-3 and force the match into a deciding super tie-break. Yaman eventually won the tie-break 10-8 to secure the championship.

With the victory, Yaman Philip finished as Champion, Charity Ubandoma emerged Runner-up, while Sophia Emeka of Yobe State claimed the Second Runner-up position.

The final attracted several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State and North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who is the sponsor of the championship; the Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Datti; the Secretary of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Aliyu Makpa; the Central Zone Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Victor Hembah; the President of Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah A. Faransa (Rtd); the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini; and other government officials and sports administrators.

The match drew applause from spectators, coaches and officials, who commended both players for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the contest.

With the Girls Under-17 event concluded, attention now shifts to the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-17 finals, which will be played on Thursday as the championship reaches its climax.

TSU Signs MoUs With Five Institutions to Expand Academic Partnerships

Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with five tertiary institutions in a move aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and expanding access to quality higher education across Nigeria.

The agreements were formalised during a ceremony led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, alongside senior management officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Jonathan Reuben, Acting Registrar, Dr. Nuhu Dangana, Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Aliyu Bakari, Admissions Desk Officer, Mr. Bubayero Mafindi, and representatives of the affiliated institutions.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Aliyu Bakari described the partnership as another milestone in the university's pursuit of academic excellence. He credited the leadership of Prof. Bako for expanding TSU's academic influence through strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure, quality assurance, and innovation.

According to him, the university has increasingly become a preferred institution for academic affiliation due to its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

In his address, Prof. Bako said the signing ceremony represented more than a formal agreement, describing it as the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on advancing education and national development.

He revealed that when he assumed office in 2022, the university had only seven affiliated institutions. That figure, he said, has now risen to 30 through deliberate reforms and sustained quality assurance initiatives.

The Vice-Chancellor attributed the growth to the university's commitment to academic integrity, effective administration, and quality service delivery. He noted that while TSU cannot accommodate every prospective student directly, its affiliation programme enables other institutions to deliver education that meets the university's standards.

Prof. Bako stressed that all affiliated institutions must uphold TSU's academic values, adding that graduates produced under the affiliation arrangement should possess the same competence, integrity, and quality associated with the university.

He also reminded the institutions that certificates issued in the name of Taraba State University carry the institution's reputation and must be protected through strict compliance with academic regulations and quality assurance standards.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) recently commended the university following a monitoring visit that assessed its academic operations and quality assurance mechanisms.

Reflecting on the university's progress, Prof. Bako recalled that none of TSU's academic programmes had valid accreditation when he assumed office in 2022. He said the institution has since secured full accreditation for all its programmes, with 53 accredited in 2023 and the remaining 26 in 2025.

He also announced that the NUC recently approved 28 new academic programmes for the university, describing the development as another significant step in TSU's drive to expand academic opportunities while maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and community service.

The five institutions that signed affiliation agreements with Taraba State University are:

Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo

Higher Ground College of Health and Management Sciences, Takum

Kulp Theological Seminary College, Kwarhi, Mubi, Adamawa State

Eleazer College, Kurmi, Baissa

Al-Bas College of Health and Technology, Jalingo

The MoU signing marks another milestone in Taraba State University's efforts to strengthen academic partnerships and consolidate its position as one of Nigeria's emerging centres of higher learning.