Accord Guber candidate, Prof. Nyameh rolls out 4-Pillar agenda to transform Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Accord Party's governorship candidate for Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has unveiled a four-pillar agenda aimed at repositioning the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.  

Prof. Nyameh made this known while interacting with journalists in Jalingo on Sunday, saying his campaign would focus on issues and not on personal attacks, adding that the state deserves a new kind of politics built on ideas and service delivery.  

According to him, the agenda is anchored on four solid pillars designed to address the challenges facing the state.  

"Our campaign shall be strictly issue-based. There will be no name-calling, no insults, and no personal attacks. We shall rise above petty politics and focus on what truly matters to the people of Taraba State.

"Our first pillar is Viable Blueprint Agenda tagged 'Taraba Therapy' which is a clear, comprehensive and people-centred roadmap for transforming the state.  

"The second pillar is our Track Record, which highlights the tangible evidence of service, dedication and results from myself and my running mate.  

"The third pillar is Who We Are, and What We Have To Offer as practical and realistic solutions for the development of Taraba," he said.

He assured supporters that marketing the candidature would not be difficult because the record of service is already visible.  

Nyameh said the ultimate goal is to build a Taraba where opportunities are created, infrastructure is developed, the economy is revived, and citizens live in peace and dignity.  

"Our reputation speaks for itself. Our track record is evident, and our blueprint, Taraba Therapy, is here to solve problems, not create them.

"We will develop our state where opportunities are created, infrastructure is developed, our economy is revived, and our people live in peace and dignity," he added.

Only 18.5% of Taraba Health Sector Activities Implemented in Q2 – Review

 

By Thomas Samuel 

Taraba State's health sector recorded an overall implementation rate of 18.5 per cent of its planned activities for the second quarter of 2026, according to the Quarter Two Health Sector Scorecard presented during the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR).

The report showed that out of 232 activities captured in the state's Health Sector Strategic Blueprint Annual Operational Plan, only 19 per cent received funding, (roughly 44 out of the 232 planned activities got money to begin implementation) while 17.7 per cent were fully implemented during the period under review.

According to the presentation, the major challenge affecting implementation was the absence of defined activity memos, which accounted for 74 per cent of the bottlenecks. Other constraints included delayed or denied memo approvals, lack of cash backing for approved activities, delayed execution, and incomplete implementation of funded projects.

The review further indicated that government-funded activities recorded a completion rate of 25.3 per cent, while activities supported by development partners achieved an 80 per cent completion rate. Jointly funded activities posted a completion rate of 64.3 per cent, whereas activities without any funding recorded no implementation.

Financial analysis presented at the review showed that the health sector had a budget of over ₦5.5 billion for the period. However, only about ₦59.4 million was spent, representing an overall budget performance of 1.08 per cent. Government funding accounted for all the expenditure, while no spending was recorded under development partner or joint funding sources during the quarter.

The findings were presented during the 2026 Taraba State Health Sector Joint Annual Review, a multi-stakeholder accountability forum designed to assess performance against annual operational plans, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and identify priorities for the 2027 Annual Operational Plan.

 The review also seeks to promote transparency, mutual accountability, and collaboration among government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, and communities.

Taraba Health Stakeholders Seek Stronger Collaboration to End Preventable Diseases

 

By Thomas Samuel 

Stakeholders in Taraba State's health sector have called for stronger collaboration and increased investment to eliminate preventable diseases and improve access to quality healthcare across the state.

The call was made at the end of the two-day Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting organised by the Taraba State Ministry of Health at Camp View Event Centre, Jalingo.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Burdiya Buma, said government alone cannot build a health system that meets universal standards, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.

He said Governor Agbu Kefas remains committed to ensuring that quality and affordable healthcare is available in every nook and cranny of Taraba State.

According to the Commissioner, although the state has recorded steady progress in disease surveillance and public health awareness, several challenges continue to hinder the attainment of universal health coverage.

He identified maternal and neonatal deaths, difficult terrain and inadequate funding as some of the major obstacles confronting the health sector.

The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Tukura Nuhu, appealed to the Taraba State House of Assembly to ensure the full approval of the agency's budget, noting that every component of the proposed budget has a direct impact on healthcare delivery.

He also urged the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure adequate funding for primary healthcare, explaining that the agency is legally expected to receive financial support from the federal, state and local governments, with the local government component coordinated through the Bureau.

Nuhu said all stakeholders have critical roles to play in strengthening the health sector, particularly in addressing the state's high maternal mortality rate.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Joseph Kassong, represented by Dr. Demekpe Nathanel, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Abdulaziz Titong, represented by Deputy Clerk Hamamjam Usman, pledged their commitment to supporting the timely passage of health budgets in the state.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, Moses Maihankali, who is also the Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, assured participants that local government chairmen would continue to support the Primary Healthcare Development Agency in delivering quality healthcare services.

He expressed optimism that the gaps identified during the review meeting would be addressed through effective implementation of the agreed recommendations.

Similarly, the Kuru Kona, Augustine Njengmang, represented by the District Head of Kona, Anthony Augustine, commended the Ministry of Health for what he described as sincere self-assessment and its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.

Also speaking, the North-East Programme Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, Aliyu Tukur, said more than 70 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable. He disclosed that the Federal Government is implementing the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) Programme across the country to enable vulnerable pregnant women to access safe delivery services free of charge.

For Taraba State, he listed the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo; Specialist Hospital, Jalingo; Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari; First Referral Hospital, Donga; and General Hospital, Gembu as designated facilities providing services under the programme.

The meeting ended with the adoption of a communiqué in which participants resolved to strengthen the implementation of the Taraba State Health Sector Strategic Blueprint and sustain the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) as the framework for coordinating health sector investments. 

They also called for increased domestic financing, expansion of quality primary healthcare services across all local government areas, accelerated implementation of universal health coverage through the Taraba State Health Insurance Scheme, improved availability of essential medicines and vaccines, strengthened disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, enhanced health information management, intensified efforts to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality, sustained malaria control interventions, greater community participation in health programmes, stronger collaboration with development partners and civil society organisations, and the revival of the Maternal and Perinatal Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) programme through adequate funding.

Taraba Health Stakeholders Push for Improved Budget Implementation to Strengthen Healthcare Delivery

 

by Thomas Samuel 

Stakeholders in Taraba State's health sector have been urged to improve the implementation of budget indicators to enhance healthcare delivery and achieve better health outcomes across the state.

The call was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, during the opening of a two-day Joint Annual Review Meeting held at Camp View, Mile Six, Jalingo.

Dr. Buma said the review meeting, now in its second edition after its maiden event last year, provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, identify gaps, and develop strategies to improve areas where performance fell short.

He noted that regular performance reviews are essential to strengthening the state's health system and ensuring that government investments translate into better healthcare services for residents.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Harmony Churfo, described the gathering as a significant step towards advancing reforms in the health sector. He urged participants to actively contribute to discussions that would improve health service delivery in Taraba State.

Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Management Sciences for Health (MSH), including Dr. Adedeji Adesiye, Martins Jirgi, and Othniel Kighir, respectively, highlighted the importance of the Joint Annual Review as a strategic platform for evaluating progress and strengthening the health sector.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Tukura Nuhu, commended the commitment of the current administration to transforming healthcare in the state.

He identified the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Joint Annual Review process as major reforms introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the nation's healthcare system.

Presenting an overview of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, Reuben Wunuji explained that the reform prioritises community-based healthcare services. He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare introduced the National Health Fellows Programme to promote accountability, strengthen community engagement, and increase awareness at the grassroots.

According to him, the initiative also focuses on expanding the health workforce, improving service delivery, and accelerating progress towards universal health coverage.

Global Methodist Church Provides N30 Million Relief Support to Crisis Victims in Taraba

 

By Amos Joshua Karim

The Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), through its Kingdom Advancement and Disaster Response Commission, has provided relief materials valued at approximately N30 million to victims of conflict and displacement in parts of Taraba State.

The humanitarian intervention was led by the West Africa Coordinator of the commission, Rev. Absolom Nuhu Kodei, as part of the church's efforts to support vulnerable communities affected by insecurity and displacement in the Northeast and Central Nigeria Annual Conferences.

During the outreach, the commission visited Karimaundi, the headquarters of the Northeast Annual Conference, and Mutum Daya, one of the largest displacement camps within the Central Conference area. Relief materials were distributed to displaced families and other vulnerable persons affected by the crisis.

Items distributed included rice, maize, cassava, cooking oil, mats, buckets, and other essential household supplies. According to church officials, the intervention was designed to ease the hardship faced by families who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict and insecurity.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Rev. Absolom Nuhu Kodei stated that the initiative reflects the church's commitment to supporting people in times of need, regardless of their background, tribe, or denomination.

He explained that the Kingdom Advancement and Disaster Response Commission was established to provide hope and practical assistance to individuals and communities facing difficult circumstances.

"The church believes in demonstrating compassion through action by supporting those affected by hardship and displacement," he said.

Community leaders and stakeholders who accompanied the team commended the initiative and described it as a timely intervention for many families struggling to rebuild their lives.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, noting that the relief materials would help cushion the effects of the current economic challenges and provide temporary relief to affected households.

The outreach highlights the growing role of faith-based ororganisationsn responding to humanitarian crises across Nigeria. Through interventions such as this, religious institutions continue to complement the efforts of government agencies and humanitarian ororganisationsn providing assistance to vulnerable populations.

As communities continue to recover from the effects of conflict and displacement, stakeholders have ememphasisedhe need for sustained support, peacebuilding efforts, and collaboration among government, civil society, and faith-based ororganisationso address the challenges facing affected populations.

This version is more suitable for a blog because it focuses on verifiable facts, avoids excessive praise, and adopts a professional news-feature style.

Taraba Reactivates Health Accountability Committee to Tackle Maternal and Child Mortality

 

By Thomas Samuel 

The Taraba State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with West and Central Africa Health Options Limited/GTE (WCA Health), has reactivated the State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (TaSAM) to strengthen transparency and improve health outcomes across the state.

The reactivation meeting, held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Sisfen Kitchen Conference Hall in Jalingo, brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, and the media.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Bordiya Buma, stated that the accountability mechanism was established in 2016 but had become inactive due to various challenges. He explained that reactivating the committee is necessary to promote accountability and transparency in the health sector and accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths in Taraba State.

According to him, the committee will monitor health programmes, provide oversight, and recommend strategies for improving maternal, newborn and child health services. He noted that Taraba's maternal mortality rate remains a major concern, with about 576 deaths recorded for every 100,000 live births.

In a goodwill message, Mr Gabriel Yough, Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, stated that the media have consistently highlighted issues related to maternal mortality and other health challenges in the state. He assured that journalists would continue to serve as key partners in promoting health interventions and raising public awareness.

Also speaking, representatives of the Taraba State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Dr Gimba Joseph and Mrs Eglah Ibrahim, pledged the commitment of civil society groups to support the Ministry of Health in improving healthcare delivery and ensuring accountability.

The Commissioner formally inaugurated the 52-member committee, drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, and the media. He said members were carefully selected based on their experience, expertise and contributions to the health sector.

The committee is expected to develop an action plan aimed at strengthening maternal, newborn and child health services across the state.

During the meeting, stakeholders also highlighted the role of the Big Sister Initiative, a programme that provides a platform for discussions on sexual and reproductive health among adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, helping young people make informed health decisions.

Health experts at the meeting expressed optimism that the reactivation of TaSAM will improve coordination, enhance accountability and contribute to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths in Taraba State.

Why Tinubu, Kefas will win 2027 election - Minister Uba

 

By Agia Godwin, Jalingo

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Barr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, will both secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

The Minister stated this on Thursday in Jalingo while speaking with journalists shortly after a stakeholders' meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Taraba State.

Barr. Maigari said the track records of both leaders in governance, infrastructure development, and citizens' welfare would work in their favour at the polls.

According to him, President Tinubu has taken bold economic decisions within three years that are already yielding results and repositioning Nigeria for long-term growth.

"President Tinubu took difficult but necessary decisions to save the economy. Today, we are witnessing stability in revenue, improved allocation to states and local governments, and a renewed sense of investor confidence. Nigerians will reward him in 2027," he said.

Regarding Governor Kefas, the Minister described the Taraba governor as a listening leader whose policies in education, health, infrastructure, and security are already changing the state's narrative.

"Governor Kefas came in with a clear vision, and he is delivering. From the free education policy, to road construction, to the new security architecture, the people of Taraba can see the difference. That is why they will vote for him again in 2027," Maigari stated.

He added that the APC in Taraba is working to reconcile internal differences and build a stronger structure ahead of 2027 to ensure the party delivers both the presidency and the governorship.

The Minister also urged party members and supporters to remain united and continue to mobilise at the grassroots.

"We have no time to waste on division. Our job now is to go back to our communities, tell our story, and ensure that by 2027, APC wins convincingly in Taraba and at the centre," he said.