Taraba Lawmakers Participate in Leadership, Peacekeeping Programme in Jaji

Hon. Nelson C. Len, representing Nguroje Constituency; Hon. Jethro Yakubu, representing Wukari I; Hon. Anas Shuaibu, representing Karim II; and Hon. Umar Adamu Sarki, representing Jalingo I Constituency, are among participants at an ongoing capacity-building programme at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

The programme brings together participants from different backgrounds for capacity development in leadership, peacebuilding and conflict management.

The engagement is aimed at strengthening participants’ leadership skills and equipping them with knowledge relevant to promoting peaceful coexistence, effective representation and good governance.

Apex Media Network

Kefas Meets Solid Minerals Minister, Explores Mining Opportunities for Taraba

Apex Media Network 

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has met with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, in Abuja to explore opportunities for mineral development in Taraba State.

The meeting focused on expanding mineral exploration in the state and developing the sector in a manner that promotes economic growth while protecting the environment.

Governor Kefas and the Minister also discussed the need for responsible mining operations that comply with environmental standards and global best practices.

The engagement is part of efforts to harness Taraba State’s mineral resources and position the sector as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Taraba Leaders Undergo Leadership and Peacekeeping Training in Jaji

Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, Esq., Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, and other top state officials are currently attending a capacity-building programme at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. 

 The training is focused on strengthening leadership, conflict management, and peacebuilding skills to enhance service delivery and stability in Taraba State.

📸 PHOTO NEWS

Moments from Day One of YOWICAN Youth Week 2026 — a powerful gathering of young Christians in Jalingo LGA. 🙏

📍 First Baptist Church, Jalingo

Faith. Fellowship. Youth. Impact.

HEADLINE: OVER 300 VEHICLES STRANDED AS BALI-SUNTAI ROAD COLLAPSES

By Apex Media Network 

More than 300 vehicles have been stranded following the collapse of a section of the Bali-Suntai road through Zagah in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The affected route has been rendered impassable, bringing transportation and the movement of goods between the communities to a halt.

The Councillor representing Suntai Ward, Daniel Ayuba, who confirmed the development while speaking with our correspondent, said heavy-duty trucks carrying goods are among the vehicles trapped on the road.

According to him, the road collapse has also disrupted business activities and affected residents who rely on the route for transportation and daily economic activities.

Ayuba appealed to the Federal and Taraba State Governments to urgently mobilise resources to the affected area and repair the collapsed section of the road.

He said immediate intervention is needed to restore movement and prevent further hardship to commuters, motorists, traders and other road users.

KEFAS DIRECTS IMMEDIATE COMMENCEMENT OF MAYO-RANEWO ROAD PROJECT

Apex Media

The construction of the Mayo-Ranewo road in Ardo-Kola Local Government in Taraba State is set to commence immediately following a directive by Governor Agbu Kefas to the contractor handling the project.

The directive was disclosed after the Member representing Ardo-Kola State Constituency, Hon. Happy Joshua Shonruba, met with the project contractor, Mr. Pam, to follow up on the implementation of the project.

The project manager confirmed that the contractor had received clear instructions from Governor Kefas to commence work immediately and complete the road before December 2026.

The road project is expected to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of people and farm produce, and open up Mayo-Ranewo to increased economic and commercial activities.

In addition, plans are underway for the construction of a modern fish market in Mayo-Ranewo to support fishermen and fish traders, create employment and boost commercial activities in the community.

The development plans also include the provision of fishing boats and other necessary support for local fishermen to improve productivity along the river.

Hon. Happy Joshua Shonruba has continued to advocate for development projects in the constituency, with the Mayo-Ranewo road regarded as a major intervention that could enhance connectivity and unlock the economic potential of the community.

The development is expected to mark a significant step forward for Mayo-Ranewo and its surrounding communities.

TINUBU TO APC GOVERNORS: STRENGTHEN PARTY UNITY, MOBILISE GRASSROOTS FOR 2027

By Apex Media Network 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to strengthen unity within the party and take the lead in grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The President gave the charge when he met with APC governors under the Progressive Governors’ Forum at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, said President Tinubu emphasised the need for party unity, national cohesion, poverty reduction and improved welfare for Nigerians.

Governor Sule said the President also urged the governors to ensure that citizens are carried along in the implementation of government programmes.

He stressed that the governors would play a major role in the mobilisation of support for the party at the state and local government levels, noting that elections are ultimately won through grassroots engagement.

Also speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said all APC governors remain committed to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Uzodinma said the meeting also focused largely on governance, particularly measures to reduce the cost of living, improve transportation, strengthen food security, boost agriculture and ensure that Nigerians benefit from the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms.

He disclosed that President Tinubu briefed the governors on the constitution of the Presidential Election Committee, adding that the governors were united in their support for the President and would work with the APC leadership ahead of the election.

The Imo State Governor said the responsibility for mobilising electoral support would largely rest with governors at the subnational level, who are expected to develop strategies based on the peculiarities of their respective states.

He reaffirmed the commitment of APC governors to working with the party and other stakeholders to secure victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Source: Deji Elumoye, ThisDay — Abuja.

KEFAS TAKES DELIVERY OF 188 FEDERAL HOUSING UNITS IN TARABA

By Apex Media Network 

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has taken delivery of 188 completed housing units under the Muhammadu Buhari National Housing Programme.

The handover was performed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, during a ceremony in Taraba State.

The housing units are expected to provide accommodation for beneficiaries and support the welfare of personnel serving in the state, particularly those attached to newly established military formations.

Governor Agbu Kefas expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the investment, describing the project as a significant addition to the state’s housing stock.

He called for more federal housing projects to be located across Taraba State, stressing the need for continued investment in accommodation and infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.

Taraba State was also recognised as the first state to respond to the Ministry’s call to take over completed housing units, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to ensuring that completed projects are put to use for the benefit of the people.

The Federal Government also announced a new Social Housing Initiative aimed at making affordable homes available to more Nigerians.

Governor Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment and improving the welfare of residents, while continuing to work with the Federal Government to attract projects that will support development across Taraba State.

SHETTIMA REAFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL SECURITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH

By Apex Media Network 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security as a foundation for economic growth and sustainable development.

Shettima stated this while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the graduation ceremony of National Defence College Course 34.

Delivering the President’s address, the Vice President said national security remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions, noting that the protection of lives and property is essential to creating an environment for businesses to thrive.

He said the administration’s economic programme is focused on stabilising the nation’s macroeconomic fundamentals, strengthening local industries and attracting foreign investment.

According to him, the government considers the strengthening of Nigeria’s armed forces and the fight against criminal elements, bandits and terrorists as key priorities in its efforts to secure the country.

Shettima said sustained investment in national security would provide the stability required to drive economic expansion, create opportunities and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The Vice President congratulated the graduating participants of National Defence College Course 34, urging them to apply the knowledge and strategic leadership skills acquired in the service of the nation.

WhatsApp to Charge Businesses Per Message from October 1

By Apex Media Network

Businesses using WhatsApp to communicate with customers may begin paying for certain messages from October 1, 2026, as Meta moves to introduce new charges on the WhatsApp Business Platform.

The new pricing structure will affect businesses that use the official WhatsApp Business Platform, formerly known as the WhatsApp Business API, particularly companies that send large volumes of customer and transactional messages.

According to reports, the charges will apply to service and other qualifying utility messages sent by businesses. Such messages include payment confirmations, order updates, delivery notifications and other communications relating to customer transactions.

The development is expected to affect sectors that rely heavily on WhatsApp for customer engagement, including banks, fintech companies, telecommunications firms, e-commerce businesses, logistics operators and large retailers.

However, ordinary WhatsApp users and most small businesses using the standard WhatsApp Business application are not expected to be directly affected by the new pricing arrangement.

Under the new system, businesses will be charged based on the type and volume of messages sent. Marketing messages will also attract separate charges under Meta’s business messaging pricing structure.

Meta has reportedly advised affected businesses and solution providers to add a valid payment method before September 30 to avoid disruption to chargeable messaging services when the new pricing takes effect.

The move could increase operating costs for Nigerian businesses that depend heavily on WhatsApp for customer service, sales, payment notifications and delivery updates.

With WhatsApp remaining one of the most widely used communication platforms in Nigeria, businesses are now expected to review their messaging strategies and prepare for the additional costs ahead of the October 1 implementation date.

MERCY JAMES CALLS ON WOMEN TO JOIN ACTIVE POLITICS, SEEKS GREATER FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP

By Apex Media Network  

The Special Assistant to the Governor of Taraba State on Forest Conservation and National Women Leader of the National Alliance for Peace, Hon. Mercy James, has called on women to take an active role in politics and leadership, stressing the importance of their participation in decision-making and community development.

Hon. Mercy James made the call at the 1st North-East Annual Women Convention and Award Ceremony, organised by the Organization of African Instituted Churches, OAIC, and held at the CAN Secretariat in Jalingo, Taraba State.

She commended the OAIC for bringing women from across the North-East together to discuss issues affecting women and promote greater participation in leadership and development.

Hon. Mercy James urged women to move beyond supporting political activities and become active participants in the political process by seeking leadership positions and contributing their voices to decisions that affect society.

She also appreciated the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for giving women a significant place in his administration, saying the inclusion of women in government provides them with opportunities to contribute directly to governance and the development of the state.

She encouraged women to take advantage of available opportunities, support one another and remain united in their pursuit of leadership and meaningful participation in public affairs.

The Special Assistant further stressed the need for women to continue building one another and using their positions to positively impact their families, communities and the wider society.

At the ceremony, Hon. Mercy James was honoured with an award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and support to women and the community.

Receiving1 the award, she thanked the organisers for the recognition and said it would encourage her to do more in supporting women-focused initiatives and community development.

The convention brought together women and stakeholders from across the North-East, with discussions centred on women’s empowerment, leadership, political participation and their contribution to community development.