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 POLICE, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSNERSHIP FOR SECURITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, has reaffirmed the commitment of the State Police Command to strengthening collaboration with the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) to enhance security and support economic development across the state.

The assurance was given on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Chairman of TIRS, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd.), who led members of the agency's board, directors, and heads of units to the Police Command Headquarters in Jalingo.

Speaking during the visit, Faransa said the engagement was aimed at deepening the existing relationship between the two institutions and fostering stronger cooperation in the discharge of their responsibilities to the government and people of Taraba State.

He stressed that effective collaboration among government agencies is essential for promoting good governance, public safety, and sustainable development. According to him, a peaceful and secure environment remains critical for economic activities to flourish, making partnership between security agencies and revenue-generating institutions indispensable.

In his response, CP Dongshal welcomed the delegation and commended the leadership of TIRS for prioritizing institutional collaboration. He assured the agency of the Police Command's readiness to maintain a productive working relationship that would advance the interests of the state.

The police commissioner noted that security is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that cooperation among government institutions and relevant stakeholders is key to safeguarding lives and property while creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

He also reiterated the Command's commitment to providing the necessary support, within its constitutional mandate, to enable government institutions to carry out their lawful responsibilities effectively.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest, strengthen information sharing, and explore new avenues for collaboration in support of security, governance, and the overall development of Taraba State.

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.

NORTH EAST TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP: ADAMAWA'S YAMAN PHILIP WINS GIRLS U-17 TITLE

By Nformi Desmond 

Yaman Philip of Adamawa State has won the Girls Under-17 title at the ongoing Dr. Agbu Kefas North East Tennis Championship after defeating Charity Ubandoma of Taraba State 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 in an exciting final at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

Yaman dominated the opening set 6-1, but Charity responded strongly to take the second set 6-3 and force the match into a deciding super tie-break. Yaman eventually won the tie-break 10-8 to secure the championship.

With the victory, Yaman Philip finished as Champion, Charity Ubandoma emerged Runner-up, while Sophia Emeka of Yobe State claimed the Second Runner-up position.

The final attracted several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State and North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who is the sponsor of the championship; the Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Datti; the Secretary of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Aliyu Makpa; the Central Zone Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Victor Hembah; the President of Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah A. Faransa (Rtd); the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini; and other government officials and sports administrators.

The match drew applause from spectators, coaches and officials, who commended both players for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the contest.

With the Girls Under-17 event concluded, attention now shifts to the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-17 finals, which will be played on Thursday as the championship reaches its climax.

TSU Signs MoUs With Five Institutions to Expand Academic Partnerships

Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with five tertiary institutions in a move aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and expanding access to quality higher education across Nigeria.

The agreements were formalised during a ceremony led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, alongside senior management officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Jonathan Reuben, Acting Registrar, Dr. Nuhu Dangana, Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Aliyu Bakari, Admissions Desk Officer, Mr. Bubayero Mafindi, and representatives of the affiliated institutions.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Aliyu Bakari described the partnership as another milestone in the university's pursuit of academic excellence. He credited the leadership of Prof. Bako for expanding TSU's academic influence through strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure, quality assurance, and innovation.

According to him, the university has increasingly become a preferred institution for academic affiliation due to its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

In his address, Prof. Bako said the signing ceremony represented more than a formal agreement, describing it as the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on advancing education and national development.

He revealed that when he assumed office in 2022, the university had only seven affiliated institutions. That figure, he said, has now risen to 30 through deliberate reforms and sustained quality assurance initiatives.

The Vice-Chancellor attributed the growth to the university's commitment to academic integrity, effective administration, and quality service delivery. He noted that while TSU cannot accommodate every prospective student directly, its affiliation programme enables other institutions to deliver education that meets the university's standards.

Prof. Bako stressed that all affiliated institutions must uphold TSU's academic values, adding that graduates produced under the affiliation arrangement should possess the same competence, integrity, and quality associated with the university.

He also reminded the institutions that certificates issued in the name of Taraba State University carry the institution's reputation and must be protected through strict compliance with academic regulations and quality assurance standards.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) recently commended the university following a monitoring visit that assessed its academic operations and quality assurance mechanisms.

Reflecting on the university's progress, Prof. Bako recalled that none of TSU's academic programmes had valid accreditation when he assumed office in 2022. He said the institution has since secured full accreditation for all its programmes, with 53 accredited in 2023 and the remaining 26 in 2025.

He also announced that the NUC recently approved 28 new academic programmes for the university, describing the development as another significant step in TSU's drive to expand academic opportunities while maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and community service.

The five institutions that signed affiliation agreements with Taraba State University are:

Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo

Higher Ground College of Health and Management Sciences, Takum

Kulp Theological Seminary College, Kwarhi, Mubi, Adamawa State

Eleazer College, Kurmi, Baissa

Al-Bas College of Health and Technology, Jalingo

The MoU signing marks another milestone in Taraba State University's efforts to strengthen academic partnerships and consolidate its position as one of Nigeria's emerging centres of higher learning.