GOV. KEFAS RECEIVES SECURITY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE EXPANSION REPORTS

By Apex Media Network 

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has received the reports of the Zonal Security Summit Committee and the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land surrounding the Government House for its proposed expansion.

Governor Kefas received the two reports on Monday at the Exco Chamber of the TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, describing them as important documents that will guide government decisions on security, infrastructure development and effective governance.

The Governor commended the Zonal Security Summit Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, for its dedication, commitment and inclusive approach.

The committee conducted consultations across the three senatorial zones, engaging communities and stakeholders to identify security challenges, map hotspots, document concerns and obtain recommendations from the people.

Presenting the report, Speaker Bonzena said the committee worked within the mandate given by the Governor and took the security conversation directly to the grassroots to obtain first-hand information from affected communities.

Governor Kefas assured the committee that the recommendations would be carefully considered and implemented as appropriate.

The Governor also received the report of the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land surrounding the Government House. The committee, chaired by former Governor of the state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, was represented at the presentation by the Head of the State Civil Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara.

Dr. Kara said the committee engaged relevant stakeholders and affected landowners to communicate the government’s expansion plans and address issues relating to land acquisition and compensation.

Governor Kefas said the proposed expansion is not merely about creating additional space, but about addressing the infrastructure needs of a Government House that has served the state for many years.

He noted that the complex has become inadequate for the demands of a modern state, stressing the need to rebuild, expand and upgrade some of its facilities and structures.

The two reports are expected to provide direction for further government action on strengthening security and modernising critical infrastructure in Taraba State.

The development comes as the Kefas administration continues to pursue measures aimed at consolidating peace, improving governance and creating the infrastructure and security environment required for sustainable development.

Source: Zainab Jalingo, Esq., Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Taraba State.

Governor Kefas Joins Dignitaries in Spain for Wedding Celebration

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has joined a distinguished gathering of political leaders, business executives, public officials, family members and well-wishers in Spain to celebrate the wedding of Saraya T.Y. Danjuma and Bawa Daniel.

The elegant celebration brought together an array of prominent personalities and influential Nigerians, reflecting the strong bonds of friendship, family and goodwill shared by the couple and their loved ones.

Among the distinguished guests at the occasion were renowned businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu; Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Senator Haruna Manu Jimkuta; and former Senator Dino Melaye, alongside other notable dignitaries.

Governor Kefas’ presence at the celebration further underscored his close relationships with members of the families and his commitment to sharing in important moments of joy and celebration with friends, associates and well-wishers.

The wedding ceremony provided an opportunity for guests from different walks of life to come together in an atmosphere of warmth, happiness and camaraderie, celebrating not only the union of Saraya T.Y. Danjuma and Bawa Daniel but also the values of love, family, friendship and unity.

As family and friends gathered to honour the newlyweds, the occasion was marked by heartfelt goodwill, memorable moments and prayers for a prosperous and fulfilling marital journey for the couple.

The presence of Governor Kefas and other distinguished guests added further colour and significance to the celebration, making it a memorable gathering that brought together prominent Nigerians and loved ones in Spain to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the newlyweds.

The occasion ultimately served as a celebration of love and unity, with guests expressing their best wishes and hopes for Saraya and Bawa as they embark on their journey together as husband and wife.

GOVERNOR KEFAS REVIVES TARABA GOVERNMENT PRINTING PRESS, APPOINTS LIBERTY ANDREW AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has revived the Taraba State Government Printing Press, ending years of inactivity and positioning the facility to provide modern printing services for government institutions and the public.

The Government Printing Press, which had remained largely dormant since the creation of the state, has been fully renovated and equipped with modern printing machines to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

As part of the revitalisation, Governor Kefas has approved the appointment of veteran journalist and communications expert, Liberty Andrew, as the Managing Director of the Government Printing Press.

The appointment, according to the government, reflects the administration's commitment to placing experienced professionals in strategic positions to drive institutional reforms and improve operational performance.

With the rehabilitation completed, the printing press is expected to serve ministries, departments and agencies, while also providing quality printing services to private organisations and members of the public.

The revival of the state-owned facility is also aimed at creating employment opportunities, boosting internally generated revenue and strengthening public institutions in line with the governor's economic transformation agenda.

The development marks a new chapter for the Taraba State Government Printing Press as the state government continues efforts to reposition public institutions for greater productivity, efficiency and sustainable growth.

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.

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'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.

Taraba Hosts Maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas North-East Tennis Championship, Spotlighting Emerging Young Talents

By Nformi Desmond Tumi

The atmosphere at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo was filled with excitement on Monday as the maiden edition of the Dr. Agbu Kefas North-East Tennis Championship officially got underway, attracting promising young players, coaches, sports administrators and tennis enthusiasts from across the North-East.

The championship, sponsored by the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who also serves as the North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), is designed to identify, nurture and promote young tennis talents while providing them with a platform to compete and prepare for higher levels of the game.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Kataps said the tournament reflects the vision of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to empower young people through sports and create opportunities for them to realise their full potential.

He noted that the North-East is home to many gifted young athletes whose talents can only flourish through sustained investment, quality coaching, mentorship and regular competitions.

According to him, sports remain one of the most effective tools for promoting unity, discipline and leadership while opening doors for young people to excel nationally and internationally. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that will strengthen tennis and encourage greater youth participation in sports across Taraba State and the North-East.

President of the Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa (Rtd.), described the championship as a landmark initiative for youth development and the growth of tennis in the region. He said the competition is more than a contest for trophies, explaining that it offers young athletes the opportunity to discover their potential, build confidence and prepare for future national and international competitions.

Brig. Gen. Faransa urged the players to compete with discipline, determination and respect for the rules of the game. He commended Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii for sponsoring the championship and appreciated the coaches, parents, officials, security personnel and volunteers whose support made the tournament possible.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini, described the championship as a significant boost to grassroots sports development in Taraba State. He praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his continued investment in youth development and commended Chief Kataps for creating an avenue through which young people can showcase their talents and pursue excellence in tennis.

Coach Husseini encouraged the athletes to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout the championship, noting that today's competition could become the foundation for tomorrow's national and international tennis stars.

In separate goodwill messages, the Member representing Nguroje Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Nelson Cyprain Len, and the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, applauded Governor Agbu Kefas and Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii for providing a platform that enables talented young people from across the North-East to showcase their abilities and pursue greater opportunities through sports.

Competition began immediately after the opening ceremony with exciting displays of skill and determination. One of the day's standout matches saw Divine Denis of Adamawa State defeat Adamu Abba 6–4, 7–5 in the Under-17 Boys' Singles event after a fiercely contested encounter that drew applause from spectators.

The championship continues in Jalingo with more matches expected over the coming days as emerging tennis talents from across the North-East battle for honours and take important steps toward fulfilling their sporting ambitions.