NEDC State Coordinator Leads Needs Assessment of Taraba Primary Healthcare Facilities

By Apex Media Network

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has conducted a needs assessment of primary healthcare facilities in Taraba State to identify critical equipment gaps and strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

The exercise was led by the NEDC Taraba State Coordinator, Malam Adamu M. Lawan, alongside members of the NEDC team, Amik Adams Aminu and Fitami David.

The team was received by the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA), Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, alongside Nafiu Yahaya Umar and other officials of the Agency.

The assessment focused on identifying priority needs, particularly hospital beds, mattresses, medical equipment and other essential items required to improve services in primary healthcare facilities across the state.

Dr. Nyigwa highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Taraba State Government to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, including the upgrade of 113 of the state’s 168 primary healthcare centres to Level Two standards, with about 90 already completed.

The intervention includes improved clinic structures, perimeter fencing, 5kVA solar power systems and motorised boreholes to enhance the quality and functionality of the facilities.

The NEDC team emphasised the importance of facility-level assessment to ensure that future interventions are based on verified needs and directed to facilities requiring urgent support.

The exercise is expected to provide reliable information on equipment and infrastructure gaps across Taraba and guide possible NEDC interventions.

The engagement further strengthened collaboration between NEDC and the Taraba State Government towards improving primary healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better access to quality healthcare services across the state.

GOV. AGBU KEFAS FLAGS OFF YOUTH ENTERPRISE FUND, EMPOWERS BENEFICIARIES WITH N500,000 EACH

The Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, has officially flagged off the Kefas Youth Enterprise Fund, with beneficiaries receiving N500,000 each to support their businesses and trades.

The flag-off ceremony took place on Thursday, 20th August 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.

Flagging off the empowerment programme, Dr. Agbu Kefas reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development, stressing the need to engage young people meaningfully and create opportunities for them to contribute to the development of society.

The Governor said his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes designed to help youths find their rightful place in life and become productive members of society.

He disclosed that beneficiaries of the next batch of the empowerment programme would receive N1 million each.

Governor Agbu Kefas urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, make judicious use of the funds, and shun attitudes and actions capable of undermining their future.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for standing by his administration.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended Governor Kefas for dedicating substantial resources to youth development and empowerment in Taraba State.

The Minister urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, expand their businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of the state.

He also called on other state governments to emulate Taraba State by introducing similar initiatives aimed at empowering young people.

The Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, said the programme was putting real economic opportunities in the hands of young people across the state.

He explained that more than two hundred youths would benefit from the financial support to enable them to establish or expand their businesses.

Hon. Gara Nongha said the agency remained committed to implementing programmes and empowerment initiatives capable of preparing young people for leadership and economic independence.

He also appealed to the North East Development Commission, NEDC, to establish a Taraba Youth in Agriculture Scheme to further engage and empower youths in the state.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Taraba State Youth Development Roadmap, a strategic document designed to guide youth development initiatives in the state.

The Taraba State Youth Development Agency also presented an award to Governor Agbu Kefas in appreciation of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was equally honoured with an award at the occasion.

The programme featured cultural performances by the Taraba State Arts Council, which entertained guests and participants.

Zainab Jalingo ESQ.

HC MOIR

Taraba State.

NEDC Taraba Coordinator Leads Night Inspection of Solar Street Lights, Residents Commend Impact Across Jalingo

Apex Media Network 

The Taraba State Coordinator of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Mallam Adamu Lawan, on Wednesday night led a team of engineers and the project's consultant on an inspection of solar-powered street lights installed across Jalingo metropolis.

The inspection was carried out to assess the performance of the street lights and ensure the project is delivering the intended benefits of improved security, safer roads and better public services.

During the visit, the team moved through several parts of the state capital, interacting with residents and business owners to obtain first-hand feedback on the project.

Many residents expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting that the lights have improved visibility at night, strengthened security and enabled businesses to operate for longer hours.

Mallam Adamu Lawan reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to providing sustainable infrastructure that improves the lives of people across the North-East, adding that regular monitoring would continue to ensure projects deliver lasting value to communities.

Kurmi Monarch Commends NEDC Over Solar Street Light Project

By Nformi Desmond 

The impact of the Taraba State "Let There Be Light" programme is becoming increasingly evident as communities continue to benefit from the installation of solar-powered street lights and solar-powered boreholes across the state.

In appreciation of the intervention, the Ichen of Kurmi, His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Emanuel Dodo Audu (Rtd), TII, paid a courtesy visit to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Taraba State Office to thank the Commission for the installation of solar street lights in Bissuala Community of Kurmi Local Government Area.

The Royal Father described the project as a welcome development, noting that it has improved the quality of life for residents and reflects the Commission's commitment to addressing the needs of rural communities through impactful interventions.

He expressed profound appreciation to the North East Development Commission for its people-centred programmes and prayed for God's continued guidance, strength and blessings upon the Commission and its staff for their dedication to improving the lives of people across the region.

Responding, the NEDC Taraba State Coordinator, Mr. Adamu Lawan, thanked the traditional ruler for the visit and the show of appreciation.

He said the gesture serves as an encouragement to the Commission and a clear indication that its interventions are making meaningful impact in beneficiary communities.

Mr. Lawan assured the Royal Father that the Commission would remain committed to implementing projects that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development across communities in Taraba State and the North-East region.

The "Let There Be Light" programme is one of the North East Development Commission's interventions aimed at expanding access to renewable energy, improving public safety and enhancing socio-economic activities in underserved communities.

Apex Media Network

NEDC DONATES BUILDING MATERIALS TO TARABA, 1,000 BAGS OF FERTILIZER TO FIRST LADY

By Nformi Desmond

The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has donated building materials to the Taraba State Government to assist victims of communal crises and other disasters across the state.

The items were presented by the Taraba State Coordinator of the Commission, Adamu M. Lawan, on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, Mohammed G. Alkali.

Speaking during the presentation, Lawan said the intervention is aimed at helping families affected by crises and disasters to rebuild their homes and return to normal life.

He said the items presented to the state government include 1,200 bundles of zinc roofing sheets, 800 cartons of umbrella head nails, 4,000 ceiling boards, and 4,000 reinforcement rods.

The Commission also donated 1,000 bags of fertilizer to the First Lady of Taraba State in support of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

According to Lawan, the fertilizer is expected to support farmers across the state, increase food production, and improve food security.

He expressed confidence that the intervention would bring relief to beneficiaries and complement the efforts of the Taraba State Government in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

Lawan added that all the donated items are already available at the Commission's warehouse and are ready for collection for distribution to the intended beneficiaries.

The donation is part of the Northeast Development Commission's ongoing support for humanitarian assistance and community development in Taraba State.