Taraba Begins Planning for 2027 Health Sector

By Thomas Samuel

Taraba State is already looking ahead to 2027, as the Ministry of Health brings government agencies and development partners together to determine what should take priority in the state’s health sector next year.

A three-day workshop to review and finalise the state’s 2027 Annual Operational Plan is currently holding at Alheri Royal Hotel in Yola.

The exercise brings together officials of the Ministry of Health, heads of health agencies, local government health authorities, development partners and representatives of non-governmental organisations.

For the state, the planning process is not only about preparing another annual budget. It is also an opportunity to look at what has been achieved, identify gaps and decide where limited resources should be concentrated.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, said the workshop would help stakeholders review achievements and agree on practical priorities for the coming year.

He identified strengthening primary healthcare, improving maternal, newborn and child health, immunisation, nutrition, malaria control, disease surveillance and emergency response as some of the key areas requiring attention.

Health workforce development, availability of essential medicines, health infrastructure and digital health systems are also part of the priorities being considered for 2027.

Dr. Buma said the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas remained committed to strengthening the health system and ensuring that residents have access to quality, affordable and equitable healthcare services.

Moving from the grassroots

One of the major features of this year’s planning process is the adoption of a bottom-to-top approach.

The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, said the process would begin from health facilities and wards, move through the local governments and eventually reach the state level.

According to him, the approach is intended to ensure that the needs identified at the grassroots are reflected in the state’s health plans and budget.

Nyigwa said the workshop is also aimed at harmonising the budgets and activities of government agencies and development partners.

This, he explained, would help prevent duplication and ensure that scarce resources are directed towards areas with the greatest needs.

He said the 2027 planning exercise is different from previous ones because local government officials and development partners are participating more actively in the process.

The idea is simple: rather than having different organisations implement similar interventions in the same places, stakeholders can identify existing gaps and direct resources where they are most needed.

 Focus on results

The workshop is also providing an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the World Bank-funded Human Capital Development Project, known as HOPE.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Reuben Wunuji, said the initiative is designed to strengthen human capital through investments in health, education, skills acquisition and social protection.

Wunuji explained that HOPE has different operations, including HOPE-Gov, which provides the governance structure, and HOPE-PSC, which focuses on strengthening systems that contribute to human capital development.

He said the initiative is moving away from simply funding activities towards a system that rewards measurable results.

Development partners, including UNICEF and other non-governmental organisations, are also participating in the workshop.

They pledged continued support for efforts to improve healthcare delivery across Taraba State.

The outcome of the three-day exercise is expected to shape the state’s health priorities and resource allocation as Taraba prepares for the 2027 fiscal year.

Prof Nyameh reveal plans to build tomato processing plants across Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

Accord Gubernatorial Candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has unveiled plans to transform tomato production into jobs, industries and revenue for the state.

Prof. Nyameh made the declaration Sunday while interacting with journalists in Jalingo, said he was struck by the volume of tomatoes being sold without value addition in Zing market, headquarter of Zing Local government area of the State.

He explained that Taraba state is blessed with fertile land capable of producing tomatoes on a commercial scale, particularly in Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

"Last week when I was in Zing, I saw tomatoes everywhere in the market. I just shook my head because this is money, job opportunities, and revenue on a large scale.

"From Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna, our farmers have enormous opportunities to produce tomatoes that can feed our people, supply industries and create wealth," he said.

Prof. Nyameh questioned why the state should continue to sell raw tomatoes while losing the real value and jobs to other states. He said under his administration, government would move beyond farming to build a full tomato value chain.

He outlined his plan to support large-scale production and smallholder farmers with improved seedlings, irrigation, extension services and access to markets. 

The plan also includes establishing tomato processing and packaging plants, paste and puree production, drying and preservation facilities, cold storage and aggregation centres, as well as logistics and packaging businesses.

He said the initiative would create opportunities for more farmers, processors, traders, transporters, entrepreneurs, and particularly youth and women-owned agribusinesses.

"Instead of allowing our tomatoes to perish after harvest, we will create systems that preserve, process and add value to what our farmers produce.

"Tomatoes are not just food. With the right leadership, tomatoes can become an industry. Grow it in Taraba. Process it in Taraba. Package it in Taraba. Sell it from Taraba. Create jobs for Tarabans. Generate revenue for Taraba," Prof. Nyameh declared.

The gubernatorial hopeful said the proposal is part of his "Taraba Therapy Agenda" an economic plan to turn God-given resources into industries and sustainable government revenue, added that government must create the environment for production, business growth and shared prosperity.

Stray Animals: Taraba Govt Threatens Arrest, Prosecution of Owners

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

Taraba state government through the Environmental and Sanitation Agency, on Saturday said it will arrest and prosecution livestock owners who allow their animals to freely move within the metropolis of the state.

Hon. Iliya Kefas, chairman of the Agency disclosed the state government decision while monitoring the monthly sanitation exercise in Jalingo.

Hon. Kefas lamented what he described as sanitation and traffic rules violation caused by straying animals within the state metropolis, and urged owners to henceforth restrict their movement to avoid being penalise.

According to the chairman, straying animals were creating environmental disorder and traffic obstruction, capable of attracting an unhygienic state capital and other related issues that could cause residents lives.

He urged owners to take caution, as the tax force will be decisive on anyone found violating environmental rules.

"The arrest and prosecution of livestock owners who allow their animals to freely move within the state metropolis will soon commence. We urged owners of those animals to immediately take action by restricting their movement to avoid being penalise". Hon. Iliya Kefas warned.

The agency chairman thanked governor Agbu Kefas over his recent commendation of excellence performance on the agency.

Hon. Iliya assured that state monthly sanitation exercise has come to stay, as the agency's desire is to ensure a hygienic and cleaner Taraba metropolis.

The chairman also expressed that the sanitation exercise were not limited to sweeping and evacuation of refuge, as critical component of the programme were being enforcement to achieve the desired target.

He urged residents to support the agency's effort to achieve governor Agbu Kefas' strive for cleaner Taraba.

Hon. Iliya called on residents to imbibe  the culture of cleanliness beyond  designated sanitation hours, as collective daily sanitation habit will improve healthy environment for residents.

"This  deliberate exercise is to ensure that governor Agbu Kefas' desire for cleaner Taraba is achieved. I wish to inform residents that the monthly sanitation exercise has come to stay, and they must avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuge. Traders must keep their business areas clean, and property owners must also maintain drainages  while government provide equipment for waste evacuation and public enlightenment across the 16 local government areas of the state". The agency chairman stated. 

Taraba @35: No political ambition worth the blood of any citizen — Kefas

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has warned political actors against recruiting young people into violence, saying no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen.

Speaking on Friday during activities marking Taraba's 35th anniversary, Kefas noted that as political activities increase, leaders must compete with ideas, not weapons.

Kefas urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial, while traditional rulers should continue to act as fathers to all, and also called on political leaders to act responsibly and for young people to reject being used by politicians.

According to him, his advocacy for "A United State of Taraba" is rooted in the need for collective unity across religious and ethnic lines to develop the state.

"As political activities increase, let us compete with ideas. Let us campaign and disagree but let us not recruit young people into violence.

"We must not weaponise ethnicity and religion. We must not introduce dangerous weapons into our communities. No one's ambition is worth the blood of a Taraba citizen.

"No religion, political party or ethnic group can develop Taraba alone. No Local Government can permanently prosper while another part of the State collapses.

"Our diversity should be our strength. It must never become a weapon against us. Of all the projects we are undertaking, none is more important than our unity," Kefas stated.

He also explained his decision to move from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, describing it as a strategic step to improve Taraba’s engagement with the Federal Government.

"My decision was not an abandonment of those who elected me. It was not an abandonment of my principles. It was a strategic step designed to strengthen Taraba's engagement with the Federal Government and widen development partnerships.

"Political parties are instruments through which leaders pursue service. I did not change my commitment to Taraba. I strengthened the platform from which I pursue that commitment," the Governor added.

He assured that the state will work constructively with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, but will defend Taraba’s interests on issues of security, resources and welfare.

Kefas announced Taraba CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2027.

He said the programme will provide food assistance, household support, temporary jobs, agricultural inputs, health outreach and support for vulnerable groups.

"Taraba CARES does not belong to APC, Christians, Muslims or one tribe. It belongs to vulnerable Taraba citizens who genuinely need intervention. Selection must be based on verified need, transparency and community accountability,"  he explained.

Taraba, L-PRES flags off statewide artificial insemination to boost cattle production

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, on Saturday flagged off a statewide Mass Artificial Insemination Programme for cattle to improve genetics, milk and meat production.

The event held in Jalingo brought together government officials, development partners, livestock stakeholders and farmers.

The Managing Director of Livestock Genetics Africa Ltd, Emmanuel Nnoku, who is executing the programme in the state, said the intervention was aimed at transforming livestock farming through modern breeding technology.

He noted that Livestock Genetics Africa has deployed experienced technical personnel and is already implementing similar programmes in other states. He called for cooperation from farmers and stakeholders to ensure success.

"The essence of this programme is to improve the genetic quality of our cattle through modern breeding technology, with the ultimate objective of increasing milk and meat production, improving herd productivity and enhancing the economic value of livestock farming for our farmers," Nnoku said.

The Taraba State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, said artificial insemination would give farmers access to superior bull genetics without the cost of maintaining breeding bulls.

Represented by L-PRES Animal Health Services Officer Dr Bunsheya Daudu, Albert added that the programme would be implemented across clusters and strategic locations in the state, with support from animal health and husbandry personnel. He urged livestock keepers to make their animals available and follow technical advice.

"Through the careful selection and use of quality semen, we can progressively improve important traits such as milk production, growth rate, fertility, disease tolerance, adaptability and overall productivity of our cattle," Albert stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Taraba State Livestock Development Commission, TALDEC, Dr. Dauda Abubakar M. described the flag-off as a major step toward modernising livestock production.

"I commend the Taraba State L-PRES Project Implementation Unit and all technical partners for this initiative. I also urge our livestock keepers to embrace the programme and make full use of the opportunity being provided to improve the productivity of their herds," Dr. Abubakar said.

He reaffirmed TALDEC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve animal productivity and enhance the livelihoods of livestock-keeping communities.

In his remarks, livestock farmer, former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Arma Yau, appreciated L-PRES and the Taraba State Government for initiating the cross breeding programme in the state.

He said the intervention would go a long way in improving cattle breeds and increasing productivity for livestock farmers in Taraba.

Taraba Launches Climate Change Policy, Targets Forest Protection, Community Resilience

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, said that it represents a decision about the future of the state and its natural resources.

Unveiling the document in Jalingo on Friday, the governor said the policy was aimed at ensuring that Taraba’s forests remain standing and its rivers continue to flow for present and future generations.

"We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba. We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing," Kefas said.

He noted that climate change was already affecting agriculture and communities, with unpredictable rainfall and drying rivers posing serious threats to farmers and residents.

The governor said the policy covers critical sectors including health, infrastructure and education, and stressed that environmental considerations must become an integral part of government planning.

Kefas directed all ministries, traditional institutions, local government councils and citizens to play active roles in implementation, and warned that any climate policy that fails to support farmers would not succeed and urged residents to protect forests and discourage bush burning.

He also called for improved waste management, noting that climate action cannot succeed while streets and drainage systems remain clogged with waste. 

According to him, climate resilience must be mainstreamed into the state’s development plans, with local governments taking the lead since issues such as flooding and bush burning occur mainly at the community level.

Kefas noted that the success of the policy would be measured not by the number of conferences or workshops, but by tangible changes in communities. 

He called on the Federal Government, the National Council on Climate Change, international partners and other stakeholders to collaborate with Taraba in implementing the policy and action plan. 

Kefas added that every citizen could contribute by planting and protecting trees and discouraging bush burning,  described Taraba as richly endowed with mountains, rivers and forests and stressed the need to protect them.

He declared that the Climate Change Policy had come to stay and would form part of the state’s development agenda.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat B. Barde, called on MDAs, LGAs, traditional institutions, communities, youth and women groups, the private sector and development partners to embrace their responsibilities in implementing the policy.

Barde said climate action was a shared mandate that required collective commitment, coordination and sustained action, and described the launch as the beginning of a new phase of coordinated and measurable climate action in the state.

She said the policy would help Taraba build a state that is environmentally sustainable, economically prosperous and resilient to the challenges of changing climate.

Barde applauded Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet and Prosperity, and the African Climate Foundation for their financial and technical support. 

She also commended Governor Kefas for creating an enabling environment and prioritizing climate action in the state.

Accord Candidate Tijo Unveils Four-Point Agenda for Ardo Kola, Karim-Lamido, Lau Constituency

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, the Accord Party candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ardo Kola, Karim-Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, has promised a 4-point agenda to address the challenges facing the constituency.

Dr. Tijo announced this on Wednesday at a press conference in Jalingo to mark the commencement of political campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

He said his decision was informed by the yearnings of constituents for better infrastructure, security, jobs, and healthcare.

Dr. Tijo promised accessible and accountable representation even as he said his campaign would be issue-based, peaceful, and devoid of insults.

He called on INEC and security agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027

"Our people have cried for better roads, potable water, jobs for our youths, security for our farmers, and quality healthcare. Our fathers on the farms and mothers in the markets deserve a voice that will be heard in Abuja," he said 

Dr. Tijo outlined what he called a 4-point contract with the people to includes, "Collaboration with federal security agencies to end farmer-herder clashes and other forms of criminality. Attraction of federal projects for roads, boreholes, electricity, mini solar grids, and transformers for communities and farmlands.

"Establishment of federal skills centers, facilitation of SME loans, and support for agricultural value chains for youths and women. Upgrade of PHCs, provision of free anti-snake venom, facilitation of a snake research center, and support for maternal and child health, scholarships, and JAMB registration," he added.

He noted that Karim-Lamido LGA headquarter currently has no doctor, stressed that most snake bite cases in the constituency occur in Katago LGA of Gombe State, hence the need for an anti-venom and research center.