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.

Taraba Governor Signs Three Executive Orders to Tackle Thuggery, Illegal Mining, Drug Abuse

By Apex Media

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has signed three Executive Orders aimed at tackling political thuggery, illegal and unsafe mining activities, and drug abuse across the state as part of his administration's efforts to strengthen security and protect public welfare.

The Executive Orders were signed on Sunday at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. Governor Kefas said the measures are designed to safeguard lives and property, enhance community safety, and protect young people from criminal activities and substance abuse.

According to the governor, the new legal instruments reflect his administration's commitment to promoting peace, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that Taraba remains a safe environment for residents and investors.

Kefas stressed that government alone cannot effectively enforce the new directives, urging parents, teachers, traditional and community leaders, as well as security agencies, to work together in ensuring full compliance with the Executive Orders.

He noted that collective responsibility and active community participation are essential to curbing political violence, ending illegal mining operations, and addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse among youths.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to sustainable development, Governor Kefas said the Executive Orders represent another step towards building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Taraba State, insisting that the state will continue to move forward through decisive leadership and shared responsibility.