FG, SOUTH AFRICA BEGIN DIPLOMATIC TALKS OVER RENEWED XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS

The Federal Government has commenced high-level diplomatic engagements with South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The talks, held in Abuja, brought together Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who is visiting Nigeria as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

During the meeting, the Nigerian government expressed grave concern over the recurring attacks on its citizens in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable. It urged the South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect foreign nationals, ensure the prosecution of perpetrators, and prevent further acts of violence.

In response, the South African delegation reaffirmed its government's commitment to combating xenophobia, racism, and all forms of discrimination. Lamola stressed that the attacks do not represent the position of the South African government and assured Nigeria that those responsible would be held accountable.

The renewed diplomatic engagement follows recent anti-immigrant violence in parts of South Africa, which has affected several foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and raised concerns over their safety.

Both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance communication between their governments, and work jointly to preserve their longstanding diplomatic and economic relations while addressing the recurring challenge of xenophobic violence.

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.

DLA STEPS UP 2027 CAMPAIGN, WOOS POLITICIANS AS GUBER CANDIDATE PROMISES CHANGE FOR TARABA

The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) says it is strengthening its political base across Taraba State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with its governorship candidate, Hon. Aboki Stephen Bayonga, expressing confidence in the party's growing support.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Jalingo, Hon. Bayonga said the DLA is "in for serious business" and has continued to attract politicians from across the state into its fold.

According to him, the party has established structures in all the wards of Taraba State, a development he said has increased its popularity and positioned it as a strong contender in the 2027 general elections.

The DLA governorship candidate said he is seeking the mandate of Tarabans to bring about meaningful change and provide quality leadership that will improve the lives of the people.

Hon. Bayonga argued that Taraba has significant economic potential but said the state faces challenges that have affected business growth and investment. He said that, if elected, his administration would prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of roads to connect all local government areas, improve transportation and stimulate economic activities.

He also identified the development of water resources as a key component of his manifesto, saying the state should harness its natural resources to drive development and create more opportunities for its citizens.

The governorship hopeful further said he believes his ambition is guided by a desire to serve the people, adding that his closeness to communities across the state has enabled him to better understand their needs and aspirations.

According to him, accessible leadership is essential to good governance, noting that public office holders should remain open to the people they serve and listen to their concerns.

Hon. Bayonga called on the people of Taraba State to support the Democratic Leadership Alliance in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party has the capacity to deliver the development it is promising.

He also urged residents of the state to continue to live peacefully, tolerate one another and work together in the interest of peace, unity and sustainable development.

FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION BRINGS RELIEF TO FARMERS IN WUKARI

By Nformi Desmond

Farmers across Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State have received fertilizer support to boost agricultural production ahead of this year's planting season.

The distribution exercise, carried out by the team of the Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, reached farming communities across the wards in Wukari, with beneficiaries expressing appreciation for the intervention.

Mrs. Kefas said the initiative is aimed at supporting farmers to improve crop production and enhance food security across the state. She noted that agriculture remains the mainstay of the economy and reaffirmed the commitment of her office to initiatives that improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

According to her, providing farmers with essential inputs at the beginning of the planting season will help increase productivity, encourage better harvests, and strengthen household incomes.

She expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would make good use of the fertilizers to achieve higher yields during the farming season, adding that sustained support for agriculture remains critical to the state's economic growth.

Mrs. Kefas stressed that the prosperity of Taraba depends largely on the success of its farmers and assured that efforts to empower farming communities would continue in line with the state's drive for increased agricultural productivity.

TARABA POLICE COMMEMORATES WORLD HEPATITIS DAY WITH FREE HEALTH SCREENING

The Taraba State Police Command has marked the 2026 World Hepatitis Day with a free hepatitis screening, testing, and counselling exercise for officers and personnel at the Command Headquarters in Jalingo.

The health outreach, organised by the Police Clinic, Jalingo, was aimed at raising awareness about hepatitis prevention, encouraging early detection, and improving access to medical care. The programme featured health education, free testing, and counselling services for members of the Command.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, participated in the exercise alongside officers and men of the Command, underscoring the importance of routine medical checks and healthy living among security personnel.

Speaking on the initiative, the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Clinic, CSP John Shehu, said the exercise was designed to promote preventive healthcare and encourage officers to know their hepatitis status through regular screening.

The Taraba State Police Command commended the medical personnel of the Police Clinic for organising the programme and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its officers and staff.

The statement was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.