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.

International Youth Day: Taraba Youth Agency Chairman Urges Young People to Seize Opportunities

By Nformi Desmond

The Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nongha, has called on young people across the state to take advantage of available opportunities and play an active role in building the future of Taraba.

Speaking on Morning Breeze on Kwararafa Television to mark International Youth Day 2026, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Nongha described the celebration as an opportunity to recognise the achievements and potential of young people while reflecting on the challenges that still require attention.

He noted that despite coming from different backgrounds and circumstances, young people share common aspirations for success, meaningful opportunities and a better future.

Nongha highlighted the efforts of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency in connecting young people with opportunities in skills development, apprenticeship, entrepreneurship and talent development.

He also disclosed that the Agency is undertaking a ward-by-ward youth data-capturing exercise across the state to ensure that eligible young people, including those with limited access to smartphones and the internet, are not left behind.

According to him, the database will help the government better identify young people and connect them with relevant empowerment and development opportunities.

The Chairman commended Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as his commitment to youth development in Taraba State, particularly the inclusion of young people in government and the establishment of the Youth Development Agency.

He urged youths already serving in government and other positions of responsibility to justify the confidence placed in them through hard work, integrity, discipline and responsible leadership.

Nongha also encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, skills development and innovation rather than relying solely on white-collar employment.

He called on youths to support one another, use their voices responsibly and contribute positively to the development of their communities and the state.

NYCN TARABA COMMENDS GOVERNOR KEFAS FOR SIGNING THREE YOUTH-FOCUSED EXECUTIVE ORDERS

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Taraba State Chapter has applauded the Taraba State Government for what it described as a bold move to safeguard young people and communities across the state.

The commendation came yesterday during the signing ceremony at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo, where Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas signed three Executive Orders aimed at tackling pressing social issues.

The orders are:

1. Executive Order on the Prohibition of Drug Abuse

2. Executive Order on the Prohibition of Political Thuggery

3. Executive Order on the Prohibition of Environmental Degradation and the Protection of Host Communities

Leading other EXCO members and youth representatives at the event, NYCN Taraba State Chairman, Comrade Hapson Haruna Babale, described the development as historic.

He said two of the orders directly address challenges affecting young people, and called them a major step toward youth liberation in the state.

“The era of using our youths as political thugs is over,” Comr. Babale stated. “Young people should now be engaged in meaningful, results-oriented ventures that will improve their lives and contribute to the development of Taraba State.”

He further urged youths to shun drug abuse and called on citizens to support government efforts to curb the menace in our communities.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Kefas administration to ensure peace, safety, and opportunity for all Tarabans.

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.