TARABA AT 35: CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT BACKS KEFAS FOR SECOND TERM

By Apex Media Network 

The Taraba Concern Christian Youth Movement has celebrated the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, calling for unity, peace and greater inclusion of young people in the development of the state.

The celebration, held at the Pastoral Centre Mini Hall in Jalingo, brought together Christian youths, religious leaders and other stakeholders to thank God for the peace and unity in Taraba State and reflect on the state's journey over the past 35 years.

In his welcome address, the Convener of the Taraba Concern Christian Youth Movement, Deacon John Bitrus Elisha, said the movement was established out of the desire to bring young people, particularly Christian youths resident in Jalingo, together and provide a platform for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

Deacon John said young people have remained patriotic and supportive of government since the return to democratic rule in 1999, but observed that youths sometimes feel left out when it comes to accessing government programmes and opportunities.

He said the decision to combine the group's Annual General Meeting with the celebration of Taraba at 35 was deliberate, describing the gathering as an opportunity for young people to appreciate God for preserving the unity and peace of the state.

According to him, despite security challenges in parts of the country, Taraba has continued to enjoy relative peace, which he described as a reason for thanksgiving.

Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Philip Micah Dopa urged Tarabans to rise above ethnic, religious and denominational differences and work together for the peace and development of the state.

Ambassador Dopa described Taraba as a highly diverse state, stressing that the state's diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

He called on the people to continue praying for Taraba and its leaders, while urging young people to take their civic responsibilities seriously.

The Ambassador particularly cautioned youths against political violence and being used as political thugs, urging them to reject violence and use their Permanent Voter Cards to freely choose their preferred leaders during elections.

He also prayed for peaceful and credible elections, continued development in Taraba and leaders who would remain accountable to the people and to God.

Meanwhile, Account Emmanuel D.J. Wayas CNI was represented at the celebration by a team led by Comr. Bilatus Gimba.

In his remarks, Comr. Gimba stressed the need for Tarabans to rally round the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, saying collective support and unity are necessary for the continued development of the state.

The celebration featured prayers for Taraba State, messages on peace and unity, and reflections on the role of young people in shaping the future of the state.

The event climaxed with the Taraba Concern Christian Youth Movement endorsing Governor Agbu Kefas for a second term in office.

The group said the endorsement was based on its assessment of the administration and its desire to support the continuity of programmes and policies it considers beneficial to the people of Taraba State.

TARABA CHARTS NEW FISCAL COURSE AS TIRS BEGINS QUARTERLY REVENUE REVIEW OF MDAs

By Apex Media Network 

The Taraba Internal Revenue Service, TIRS, has commenced a quarterly review of revenue performance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, as part of efforts to improve internally generated revenue and strengthen accountability in the state.

The maiden review was held on Wednesday at the Dr. Agbu Kefas Conference Hall, TIRS Headquarters, Jalingo, with heads of MDAs, government officials and other stakeholders in attendance.

Declaring the exercise open, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Sarah Enoch Adi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Douglas Kasaba, commended TIRS for introducing the review.

She said every MDA has a responsibility to contribute to the state’s revenue drive, adding that improved revenue collection will enable government to provide more infrastructure and essential services.

The Commissioner also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the collection and management of public revenue.

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of TIRS, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, retired, said cooperation among government agencies would be critical to achieving the state’s revenue targets.

The review featured presentations on the revenue performance of participating MDAs during the first and second quarters of 2026.

Heads of the various MDAs presented their revenue figures, explained challenges affecting collection and responded to questions on their performance.

Discussions at the meeting focused on revenue collection, reporting, monitoring and ways of improving the remittance of funds due to government.

TIRS also restated its commitment to reducing revenue leakages through digital payment platforms, modern collection systems and improved data management.

The quarterly review is expected to provide government with regular information on the performance of its revenue-generating institutions and help identify areas requiring intervention.

It is also aimed at strengthening coordination between TIRS and MDAs as the state works to improve its revenue base and reduce reliance on federal allocations.

The exercise marks the beginning of a quarterly assessment of MDA revenue performance in Taraba State, with subsequent reviews expected to track progress and address emerging challenges.

Kefas Hosts Information Minister, Reaffirms Commitment to Federal Development Agenda

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting and aligning with the Federal Government’s development agenda aimed at transforming the economy and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Governor Kefas stated this yesterday when he hosted the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Federal and Taraba State Governments, particularly in the areas of economic development, security and citizen welfare.

Governor Kefas acknowledged the significant support received from the Federal Government, noting that the interventions have translated into tangible projects and programmes with direct benefits to the people of Taraba State.

On security, the governor expressed optimism that the proposed State Police structure would strengthen security coordination and enhance the capacity to protect lives and property across the state.

He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the two levels of government, saying effective policy coordination remains critical to achieving sustainable development and improving the welfare of citizens.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Federal and Taraba State Governments to closer collaboration in advancing development and delivering greater dividends of governance to the people.

Apex Media Network

L-PRES NATIONAL COORDINATOR INSPECTS LIVESTOCK PROJECTS IN TARABA

The National Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, has inspected major livestock infrastructure in Taraba State as part of efforts to assess the progress of ongoing projects ahead of their commissioning.

Dr. Sanusi, accompanied by the National Husbandry Specialist, Dr. Amaeze Gabriel Ugwu, and an ABIS Group consultant, inspected the Livestock Service Centre in Sunkani, the Jalingo Ultra-Modern Abattoir and the ongoing Model Veterinary Hospital in Jalingo.

The team was received by the Taraba State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, and members of the Project Implementation Unit.

At the Livestock Service Centre in Sunkani, the delegation inspected the facilities under the guidance of the Director of Rockstar Construction Company Limited, Mr. Godson Aluka.

The National Coordinator later paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver Namessan, before proceeding with the commissioner to the Jalingo Ultra-Modern Abattoir.

The abattoir was formally handed over to the ABIS Group for remodelling, mechanisation and automation.

The delegation also inspected the ongoing construction of the Model Veterinary Hospital, which is part of the state's efforts to strengthen animal health services.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar said the visit was to assess the progress of the Livestock Service Centre and witness the commencement of work on the abattoir.

He said the contract for the remodelling had been signed and the contractor was already on ground to mobilise to site.

Dr. Sanusi added that the inspection was also part of preparations for the planned visit of the Minister of Livestock later in the year, when several L-PRES projects in Taraba are expected to be commissioned.

He commended the Taraba State Project Coordinator and his team for their performance, describing Taraba as one of the better-performing states under the L-PRES programme.

The National Coordinator also acknowledged the support of the Taraba State Government, saying political commitment was critical to the development and modernisation of livestock infrastructure.

He noted that only five states—Taraba, Oyo, Niger, Kogi and Yobe—have Livestock Service Centres under the programme.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Namessan, expressed satisfaction with the planned transformation of the Jalingo abattoir into a fully mechanised and automated facility.

Professor Namessan thanked the Federal Government and the World Bank for including Taraba among the seven states benefiting from the initiative to reactivate and modernise seven abattoirs.

The Taraba State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for providing an enabling environment for the implementation of L-PRES projects in the state.

He identified the Livestock Service Centre, Jalingo abattoir and the animal health hub, comprising the cold chain, disease surveillance laboratory, artificial insemination centre and Model Veterinary Hospital, as key components of Taraba's livestock development programme.

Albert appealed to host communities to cooperate with L-PRES and support the sustainability of the projects by avoiding disputes and compensation-related challenges.

The inspection ended with the formal handover of the Jalingo Ultra-Modern Abattoir to the ABIS Group for remodelling, mechanisation and automation.

The event was attended by government officials, members of the L-PRES Project Implementation Unit and other stakeholders.

Taraba Unveils Development Master Plan, Water Plan as State Marks 35th Anniversary

By Apex Media Network 

As part of activities marking Taraba State’s 35th anniversary, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has officially unveiled the Taraba State Development Master Plan and the Taraba State Water Plan at a Gala Night in Jalingo.

The Governor said the strategic documents would provide a long-term framework for the state’s growth and sustainable development, with emphasis on physical planning, infrastructure expansion and effective management of water resources.

According to him, the plans provide a clear roadmap for the development of Taraba and are designed to serve both the present generation and those to come.

Governor Kefas also acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, both military and civilian, to the development of the state since its creation in 1991.

He said the efforts of past leaders, through people-oriented policies and programmes, provided the foundation upon which the present administration is building.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, described Taraba’s 35th anniversary as a significant milestone.

The Minister highlighted the state’s abundant natural resources and agricultural potential, describing Taraba as one of Nigeria’s frontier states for agriculture.

The unveiling of the two strategic plans formed part of activities marking the state’s 35 years of existence and its vision for sustained development.