Apex Media Network
Islamic organisations in Taraba State have honoured Governor Agbu Kefas with an Award of Excellence for Promoting Peace and Unity, commending his administration’s commitment to justice, good governance and inclusive development.
The award was presented on Saturday during a One-Day Summit of Islamic Organisations held in Jalingo and attended by Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, women, youths, community leaders and representatives of Islamic organisations from across the state.
The summit, themed “Celebrating People-Centred Leadership, Good Governance and Development in Taraba State,” provided a platform for participants to assess the administration’s policies and reaffirm the role of citizens and religious organisations in promoting peace and development.
Governor Kefas, who was the special guest of honour, said leadership is a trust and pledged not to betray the confidence placed in him by the people of Taraba.
Drawing from Surah An-Nisa, 4:58, the Governor stressed the importance of justice and accountability in leadership.
“Leadership is a trust. And the trust you have entrusted to me, by the grace of God, I will not betray it,” he said.
Kefas said his administration would continue to measure its performance by its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in education, healthcare, security, roads, agriculture and opportunities for women and youths.
He maintained that government exists to serve the people, stressing that every citizen deserves justice and equal treatment irrespective of religion, tribe, language or place of origin.
“Muslims and Christians, regardless of tribe or language — we are all Tarabans,” he said.
The Governor also assured the gathering that his administration would not discriminate on religious grounds in the administration of justice.
He urged women to remain active partners in the development of the state through constructive advice, prayers and participation in governance and community development.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim Religious Matters, Alhaji Hussaini Ismail, commended the Governor for what he described as his commitment to peace, unity, justice and inclusive governance.
Ismail assured the Governor that the Islamic community would continue to support initiatives that promote peace and unity and contribute to the development of Taraba State.
The summit also featured renewed support for Qur’anic education and excellence, with the state government backing the participation of Goni Abdulmalik Muhammad Inuwa Gassol in the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Saudi Arabia.
Governor Kefas approved the participation of the Taraba State Qur’anic Recitation Competition Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Kabri, and Alhaji Tanko Abdulrahman, to accompany Gassol to the international competition.
The approval was facilitated by Alhaji Hussaini Ismail.
The organisers acknowledged the contributions of JIBWIS Nigeria National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Muhammad, towards advancing Qur’anic activities and supporting Taraba’s representation at the international level.
Gassol is expected to represent Nigeria and carry the name of Taraba State to the prestigious international Qur’anic competition.
Among dignitaries at the summit were the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps; Director-General of the Campaign, Hon. Danladi Baido; Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke; Emir of Ibbi, His Highness Alhaji Salihu Danbawuro; His Highness Alhaji Abubakar Mahmud Kurjibu; the Galadiman Muri and other traditional and community leaders.
Participants offered prayers for the continued success of the administration, sustained peace and unity in Taraba and accelerated development across the state.
