UNICEF, Taraba Health Agency Mobilize Communities Ahead of Polio Campaign

 

By Thomas Samuel 

Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has announced the commencement of polio vaccination in the state.

During a media engagement meeting held on Thursday in Jalingo, the representative of the Agency, Nafiu Umar, who is the Head of the State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (SERIC), announced that the polio vaccination campaign is slated for the 13th to the 16th of this month.

He appreciated journalists and other influencers who made the last round of Rubella vaccination exercise in the state a success.

Similarly, the representative of UNICEF in Taraba State, Jennifer Dabo, said the last round of the vaccination campaign had a massive turnout, which she added was the first of its kind.

She said the record would not have been possible without the support of the team and appealed that the same effort be put into sensitizing the public on the forthcoming polio campaign.

In his presentation, Doctor Tamo Yaro said the vaccination campaign will target children from age 0–5 years for polio, while other integrated components of the vaccination will capture children from age 0–23 months.

He advised parents to disclose the present health conditions of their children to the vaccination team, as kids with underlying health challenges would not be vaccinated.

During the engagement meeting, the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Victoria Danbaba, emphasized the importance of countering myths around vaccination acceptance.

She said while polio vaccination has gained global acceptance, there are communities that still have reservations about it, and it is important to enlighten them.

Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in August 2020; however, outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continue to occur in some states due to low routine immunization coverage. 

Ongoing vaccination campaigns—including the one in Taraba—remain crucial to sustaining polio-free status and preventing new outbreaks.

CSOs Unite to Train Stakeholders on Conflict Mitigation Initiative in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia 

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Research and Action for Peace Network (REcAP Network) in collaboration with WANEP- Nigeria, have on Wednesday commenced a 3-day workshop on conflict prevention and peacebuilding with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region.

Mr Emmanuel Ami-Okhani, staff of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, WANEP- Nigeria, noted during the programme in Jalingo that the initiative aims to build the capacity of civil society organisations in Nigeria, West Africa and strengthen their role in promoting peace and stability across the region.

The training workshop, themed ‘Conflict Prevention, Violent Extremism, Crisis Management and Peacebuilding’ brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for mitigating conflicts in Taraba State.

Emmanuel Ami-Okhani, who is one of the resource persons, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in promoting peace among communities, stressed that individuals and institutions must play their part in fostering understanding and tolerance.

Ami-Okhani highlighted the crucial role of peace promotion in Taraba, noting that it remains essential for the state's development and prosperity.

"We are here implementing a project called Research and Action Network for Peace (REcAP). The project is funded by the European Union and implemented in 18 countries, including Nigeria.

"The purpose is to strengthen the capacity of local actors to conduct crisis management, conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. For the northeast, we are focusing on Taraba State today.

"The project seeks to establish a sustainable network of experts specialised in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and violent extremism in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin, including Nigeria," he said.

Speaking earlier, Boniface Koson, State Coordinator for WANEP-Nigeria, explained that the workshop's objective is to build capacity for civil society actors, women, and youth groups on conflict prevention, violent extremism, crisis management and peacebuilding.

Participants at the workshop also took turns and shared their views on ways to mitigate crises in Taraba, including farmer-herder clashes and ethnic and religious tensions. 

Those who contributed to the discussion included Rev Fr Odinaka Chukwu, State Chairman of the Dawaki Disability Development Initiative, Mallam Sadiq Muhammed, Dr Jennifer Uniga, and Mikin Yonana, the State Programme Officer of ACOMIN.

NYSC donates N1million to Amputee Ex-corps member in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has donated N1 million to Rejoice Isaac, an ex-corps member who lost her left arm in an accident during her service in Taraba State.

Rejoice Isaac with TR/24C/2523 who completed her one-year mandatory service in Taraba, was involved in a motor accident during her service year resulting in the amputation of her arm.

The NYSC Director-General, OO Nafiu, made the donation through the NYSC Hope Alive Foundation, citing Rejoice's patriotic gesture and determination to continue her life despite her loss.

Speaking during a visit to Rejoice's family home, the Taraba State Coordinator, Mr. Ella Aji Williams, said the DG was concerned about Rejoice's plight and wanted to support her with a business venture.

"The Hope Alive Foundation made the presentation in recognition of her plight and to affirm that the NYSC will always continue to support corps members who sustain serious injury or disability during the service year," he said.

Rejoice's father, Mr. Sylvester Danjuma, expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying his daughter is hardworking and will utilize the support to continue her life struggles.

"My daughter is not lazy, even now she is doing her POS business and sells other things, With this succour, she will be able to continue her normal life," he said.

Insecurity: Taraba govt. Order closure of the school's hostels

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Government has directed the closure of all school hostels in the state, citing national security concerns.

The directive, issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Drugustina Godwin, applies to both public and private secondary schools in the state, effective immediately.

In a statement on Saturday in Jalingo, it was indicated that the move is aimed at ensuring the safety of students, following recent abductions of students in other states, including Kebbi and Niger States.

"Following the Insecurity Challenges in the Country. It has been observed that the boarding students, either in public or private secondary schools, are he target of the bandits, with reference to the recent abduction of students in Kebbi and Niger States.

"In view of the unhealthy situation in the Country, His Excellency, the governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has directed the deboarding (i.e all Schools should operate as day schools for the moment) in both Private/Public Secondary Schools in the State with immediate effect.

"In the light of the above, I am directed to inform all Principals and Proprietors of Secondary Schools to deboard all students without further delay.

"This Letter is copied to: The Executive Secretary, Taraba State Post Primary

Schools Management Board, The Chairman of APSON and NAPPS for

Information and necessary action," the statement read.

Gov. Kefas urges NYSC members to embrace patriotism, service

 

 By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has urged the NYSC corps members posted to serve in the state to embrace patriotism and service as they embark on their national service.

Dr Kefas made the call on Friday, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch 'C' Stream I orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Sibre, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Chief Barrister Gibon Timothy Kattaps, Kefas said the National Youth Service Corps scheme has played a pivotal role in promoting national unity and integration, and has ensured the inculcation of discipline and patriotism in members of the corps.

He also urged the corps members to participate fully in all camp activities to enhance their readiness for the rest of the service year.

"We consider Youth Corps Members and the NYSC Scheme as one of the crucial development partners, endowed with energy, training, talent and skills needed to galvanise the state and indeed the Nation to the society of our dreams.

"The Orientation Course is packaged to equip you with the physical and mental alertness needed for quality and patriotic service to the fatherland.

"I am well briefed that Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development is part of your Camp training curriculum. While applauding the NYSC management for this innovation, I enjoin you to seize the opportunity to acquire economic skills which will complement your academic qualification and ultimately make you self-reliant and more marketable at the end of your service year," he said.

Speaking earlier, Taraba State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Ella Aji Williams, while welcoming the corps members, praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his unprecedented support to the NYSC family in the state.

He noted that the governor's interventions, cooperation, and consistent commitment have helped the NYSC achieve its goals in the state.

"As we gather to formally induct you into the National Youth Service Corps, it is also my honour, indeed my privilege to express our sincere and profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, for his unprecedented support to the NYSC family in Taraba State," he said.

Gov. Kefas present 650.63Bn, 2026 appropriation bill

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas. On Wednesday, the President presented the total of  650.63 billion naira 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly.

The governor said the 2026 budget was designed to fast-track the state's development and improve the welfare of its residents.

Tag, "2026 Budget of demonstration", the governor said his administration was committed to capital-dominant and fiscal policy, promised to change the state infrastructure, energy expansion, and social development across the state.

Kefas explained that ₦457.74 billion (70.6%) of the budget would go into capital projects, while ₦192.89 billion (29.64%) is earmarked for recurrent expenditure. “Seven out of every ten naira will be channelled to physical development,” he said.

The Governor highlighted that the budget would be funded through a mix of FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, aids and grants, and capital development receipts, while also expanding digital revenue systems and new streams in agriculture, mining, property, business, and tourism.

The proposed budget prioritises:

Roads and transport, with 19.84%.,

Education and skill development have 15.98%, Healthcare: 6.19%.

Agriculture and food security: 4.83%.

Water and sanitation: 3.19%.

Security and emergency services: 2.96%.

Governor Kefas described energy as the backbone of development, pledged to invest in solar mini-grids, hybrid rural electrification, street lighting, and power for schools, hospitals, markets, and agro-processing centres.

"This is a budget of truth and impact, every Kobo must go to the roads that connect communities, the schools that save the future, the hospitals that save lives, water that flows, energy that powers businesses and youths who are empowered to be productive and moral," he said.

Also speaking, Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon John Kizito Bonzina, assured the governor of the speedy passage of the budget.

Taraba Govt to Pay Medical Students Salaries

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Government has announced plans to pay salaries to medical students, rather than stipends, as part of its efforts to improve healthcare services in the state. 

The Head of Service, Dr Hamidu Ahmed Kara, made this known following the arrival of a team of United Kingdom-based healthcare experts in the state.

Dr Kara noted that students in 100 and 200 levels will receive salaries of grade level 5, while those in 300 to 500 levels will receive salaries of grade level 7, ranging from N100,000 to N130,000 respectively.

He stated that the state government is committed to producing high-quality healthcare professionals, including nurses who can compete globally. 

"We have agreed to operate on a zonal level, and plans are underway to extend support to medical students through the payment of monthly salaries," he said.

The delegation, led by Dr Chichi Menakaya, founder of Annomo Health, said their mission is to collaborate with the Taraba State Government to strengthen healthcare delivery and infrastructure across the state.

Dr Menakaya commended Governor Kefas’s leadership and commitment to improving healthcare access for residents. 

"The passion of Governor Agbu Kefas is driven by his mission to enhance the healthcare of the people. Because of his dedication, the people of Taraba are motivated to pursue better health outcomes since healthcare is the foundation for everything," she said.

Dr Menakaya explained that her team will embark on both medium and long-term intervention programmes to upgrade facilities and build the necessary manpower to sustain the governor’s vision.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Health Services Management Board, Dr Garba Danjuma, thanked the governor for collaborating with ANNOMO Health Foundation, saying that the 5-year partnership would bring development to the state.