TARABA LAUNCHES CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY, ACTION PLAN TO DRIVE GREENER FUTURE

Taraba State has taken a major step towards building a greener and more climate-resilient future with the official launch of its Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

The state government said the policy will serve as a roadmap for addressing climate-related challenges while promoting sustainable development across the state.

As part of the implementation strategy, the government has directed that all 16 Local Government Areas of the state be actively involved in the climate action programme.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has also been tasked with working closely with development partners to attract funding and investments that will support Taraba’s climate goals.

The policy is expected to create opportunities across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure and environmental protection, while strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to the growing impacts of climate change.

The government emphasised that implementation begins immediately, with stakeholders expected to work together to translate the policy into practical action across the state.

The initiative is part of the administration’s broader commitment to building a sustainable and resilient Taraba for present and future generations.

TARABA ISLAMIC GROUPS HONOUR KEFAS, DECLARE SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE-CENTRED GOVERNANCE

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.

Kefas Sponsors Taraba Officials for Leadership, Peace Support Training at Jaji

The Taraba State Government has commenced a one-week leadership and peace support operations training for key government officials at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The training, sponsored by Governor Agbu Kefas, is aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of participants and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage governance, peace and security challenges.

The combined inauguration ceremony for the various courses was held on Monday as participants began the intensive programme, which is expected to focus on leadership development, peace and security dynamics, and effective public administration.

Participants drawn from different arms and levels of government include members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, chairmen of the 16 local government areas, members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, officials of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as political advisers to the state government.

The state government said the initiative reflects Governor Kefas’ commitment to continuous training and retraining of public officials and civil servants to improve their professional competence and service delivery.

Since assuming office, the administration has continued to emphasise capacity building as a key component of its governance strategy, creating opportunities for government officials to acquire new knowledge and strengthen their leadership skills.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Zainab Jalingo, the administration believes that effective governance requires strong institutions and public officials who understand that public office comes with a responsibility to serve the people.

The government said the training is part of its broader effort to build capable institutions, promote peace and strengthen governance in Taraba State.

It added that the initiative is ultimately aimed at preparing the state for a more peaceful, capable and prosperous future.

Football Unites Taraba and Adamawa as Youth Agency Team, Adamawa United Share Spoils in Jalingo

By Nformi Desmond Tumi

Football took centre stage in Jalingo on Sunday as Adamawa United and the Taraba State Youth Agency Team met in a novelty match at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.

The encounter provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents while promoting friendship, youth development and stronger sporting ties between Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini, expressed delight over the initiative.

He said sports would continue to receive attention in Taraba State and highlighted Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to youth development, particularly through sports.

Coach Husseini also commended the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, for supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people.

The Secretary of the Sports Commission, Mr. Alex Maiangwa, described Taraba youths as highly talented.

He said more opportunities such as the novelty match would help young footballers develop their skills, gain exposure and take their talents to higher levels.

Coordinator of the Jalingo Champions League Project, Mr. Jacob Hakuri Tizhe, said the initiative goes beyond football.

He explained that the match was also designed to strengthen youth collaboration, friendship and sporting relationships between Taraba and its neighbouring states.

He added that the positive response to the initiative showed the growing interest in using sports to bring young people together and create meaningful opportunities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Hon. Bonwilliams Emmanuel, called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to further develop sports in Taraba.

He noted that the state is blessed with talented young people and stressed the importance of creating platforms where their abilities can be discovered, nurtured and showcased.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by officials of Adamawa United to officials of the Taraba State Sports Commission, symbolising friendship, goodwill and stronger sporting ties between the two states.

The match ended in a draw, with both teams displaying skill, enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Held courtesy of Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, Chairman, Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the encounter further demonstrated the power of football to promote youth development, friendship and unity.

Today’s match has been concluded, while details of subsequent matches will be communicated as the activities continue.

Fr. Muke Urges Christians to Remain Steadfast in Times of Trouble

The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God, especially during difficult times.

Fr. Muke, in his Sunday message reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 14:22–33, said Christians should not allow fear and life’s challenges to weaken their faith in Christ.

He noted that, just as Jesus remained with His disciples during the storm, God’s presence remains constant even in the most difficult circumstances.

The cleric encouraged Christians to keep their focus on Christ, saying faith and confidence in God can help them overcome challenges that may appear impossible.

As Christians begin a new week, Fr. Muke called on them to renew their faith, reject fear and remain confident in God’s unfailing presence.

He wished Christians across Taraba State and beyond a blessed and fruitful Sunday.

APC Bolsters Grassroots Structure As National Chairman Commissions New Taraba State Secretariat

The All Progressives Congress (APC) took a major step toward consolidating its operations in Taraba on Friday, 7th August 2026, as the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, officially commissioned the new Taraba State APC Secretariat.

The event, held in Jalingo, was attended by party leaders, stakeholders, elected officials, and a large turnout of members from across the 16 local government areas of the state.

In unveiling the plaque to mark the occasion, Prof. Yilwatda described the new secretariat as more than just a building. He called it a symbol of unity, resilience, and the party’s renewed commitment to deepening democracy at the grassroots.

“This commissioning represents a historic milestone for the APC in Taraba State,” the National Chairman said. “A strong party structure begins with a strong foundation. This secretariat will serve as the nerve center for coordination, mobilization, training, and engagement with our people.”

Party officials noted that the completion of the secretariat addresses a long-standing need for a permanent, functional headquarters that can support membership drives, strategic planning, and closer interface with communities ahead of future elections.

State party executives welcomed the development as a boost to the APC’s presence and organizational capacity in Taraba, saying it will provide members with a central hub for activities and strengthen communication between the state chapter and the national leadership.

The unveiling ceremony ended with prayers for peace and progress in Taraba, followed by a tour of the facility.

The new secretariat is expected to become the focal point for APC operations, outreach programs, and stakeholder engagements across the state in the months ahead.

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.

Taraba Task Force Raids Illegal Mining Site in Bali, Destroys Camps

By Apex Media Network 

The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with a fresh raid on Gangtu village in Bali Local Government Area, dismantling camps allegedly used by illegal miners.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, was led by the Chairman of the Task Force, SP Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, alongside a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local hunters.

During the operation, suspected illegal miners fled the area on sighting the security team, while makeshift tents and other temporary structures believed to have been used for illegal mining operations were demolished.

Authorities said security operatives have now been stationed permanently in the area to prevent the miners from returning and to enforce the state government's ban on illegal mining activities.

According to the task force, the latest operation followed credible intelligence gathered through sustained surveillance, which revealed that illegal mining had resumed in Gangtu despite previous government closure directives and two earlier enforcement exercises conducted at the site.

Speaking during the operation, the Chairman of the Task Force, SP Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, reaffirmed the state's resolve to eliminate illegal mining, describing the activity as a major threat to the environment, agriculture, and public resources.

He said illegal mining continues to contaminate water sources, destroy farmlands, and deprive the state of valuable mineral resources, stressing that the government will not relent until those responsible are stopped.

The task force also disclosed that security personnel deployed to the area will maintain 24-hour surveillance and regular patrols to prevent any attempt by illegal miners to resume operations.

Residents were urged to support the government's efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious mining activities in their communities, noting that public cooperation remains essential to the success of the ongoing campaign against illegal mining across Taraba State.

Taraba Government Provides Relief to Victims of Gomu Communal Clash

By Apex Media

The Taraba State Government, through the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), has distributed relief materials to victims affected by the recent communal clash in Gomu, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, as part of efforts to support displaced families and ease their hardship.

The relief intervention is aimed at providing immediate humanitarian assistance to households impacted by the violence while helping affected communities begin the process of recovery.

Speaking during the distribution, the representative of the Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Mr. Muhammad Kabiru, conveyed the sympathy of the Taraba State Government to the people of Gomu over the unfortunate incident. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring prompt assistance to communities affected by disasters and conflicts.

Kabiru noted that the state government remains committed to responding swiftly to humanitarian emergencies, stressing that the welfare of citizens remains a top priority.

The agency also praised Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for his humanitarian leadership, describing his commitment to the well-being of Taraba residents as the driving force behind TSEMA's rapid response to emergencies across the state.

TSEMA further reiterated its resolve to work closely with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to restore normalcy in the affected community and ensure that relief materials reach those most in need.