Taraba Judiciary to Sustain Collaboration With FIDA - CJ

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has assured that the State Judiciary will sustain its collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to enhance justice delivery, especially for vulnerable persons.

Justice Agya gave the assurance on Friday in Jalingo when he received the Taraba State branch of FIDA on a courtesy visit.

He said FIDA plays a critical role in the administration of justice through legal representation, public education, advocacy and assistance to persons who might otherwise have no effective voice.

Agya noted that there is room for continued engagement between the Judiciary and FIDA on practical barriers faced by vulnerable court users, adding that constructive suggestions on access to court information and registry services would be welcome through appropriate channels.

"For a woman facing violence, or a child exposed to abuse, timely legal assistance can make a profound difference.

"Such engagement must always preserve the independence of the courts and avoid discussion of the merits of pending cases," he stressed.

Justice Agya described violence against women and girls as a menace that extends beyond the immediate victim, capable of disrupting families, undermining education, livelihoods, and weakening community security.

He commended FIDA for its planned sensitisation against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and pledged the Judiciary's support within its limits.

Earlier, Mrs Patience Bagudu, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV 2026, said the visit was to brief the CJ on preparations for the campaign scheduled for November 25 to December 10, 2026.

She highlighted planned activities to include sensitisation visits to Taraba State University and two public secondary schools in Jalingo, visits to orphanage centres, and a dinner to honour deserving members.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of FIDA in Taraba, Mrs Shalom Maijankai, who led the delegation, described Justice Agya as a worthy patron of the association and reaffirmed FIDA's commitment to work with the judiciary to ensure justice for vulnerable women and girls.

2027: Don't Make Politics Your Source of Income, Accord Guber Candidate Tells Taraba Youths

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has advised youths in the state not to make politics their primary source of income or career.

Prof. Jerome Nyameh gave the advised while interacting with journalists in Jalingo on Friday, said politics should be seen as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of the constituency, state and nation.

He urged youths to learn a trade, acquire valuable skills, further their education and build something of their own, noting that financial independence gives courage to stand for what is right.

"Never allow anyone to use you to insult opponents, spread lies, attack others, or defend falsehood just to prove your loyalty to a politician. Set boundaries. Protect your integrity. Guard your conscience," he said.

According to him, true loyalty is supporting a principal without surrendering conscience, stressing that youths should be able to tell their principals they can mobilize and campaign but will not insult opponents or defend what is wrong.

He added that stipends will finish, governments will come and go, and political alliances will shift, but character, reputation and integrity will remain.

"Don't mortgage your future for a monthly stipend. Don't destroy relationships and tarnish your name because of 2027 election and temporary political benefits," Nyameh warned.

NGO Committed to Bridging Access to Cancer Treatment Gap - CEO

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) has restated its commitment to bridging the gap between community and specialist cancer care in the North East. 

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hannatu Ayuba, made this known on Thursday at the Taraba State Pinktober 2026 Town Hall Meeting, themed, "No One Should Face Cancer Alone" in Jalingo.

Dr. Ayuba, who is also Programme Lead of the TeleOncology Hub and its Community Patient Navigation Programme, said the meeting was aimed at raising awareness on access to cancer care, noting that cancer is beyond a medical condition and requires collective responsibility.

She said many people in Northeast Nigeria still face cancer with fear, misinformation, late presentation, financial hardship and limited access to specialists, stressing that behind every diagnosis is a person and family deserving compassion and hope.

She explained that effective cancer control cannot rest on hospitals alone but requires active participation of government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, private sector, development partners and the media to promote early presentation, screening and to challenge misconceptions.

According to her, "that is why CCI through its TeleOncology Hub Community Patient Navigation Programme is committed to ensuring patients are not abandoned between community and hospital through awareness, patient navigation, referral coordination, virtual consultations and multidisciplinary reviews.

"We believe where a person lives or their financial circumstances should not determine whether they receive appropriate cancer care. Our message is simple and powerful: No one should face cancer alone," Ayuba said.

Mallam Bashir Hammanjoda, representative of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said the commission is keen on supporting initiatives targeted at cancer prevention and treatment and will continue to collaborate with partners to stem cancer in the sub-region.

Dr. Joel Rimamde, Chief Executive Officer of Global Medical Diagnostic Centre, commended CCI for the sensitisation and urged people to seek early diagnosis before the disease spreads.

Mrs. Rahila Adamu, a breast cancer survivor, warned against relying on native medicine, insisting that cancer is not a death sentence. Said she survived after treatment at FMC Gombe and the National Hospital Abuja, adding.

"When you are on chemotherapy and you take a good diet, you can survive it."

Double-Hand Amputee Taraba Poly Student Faces Eye Challenge, Loses One Eye

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The tragedy of Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, a student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, who lost both hands after electrocution, has taken a more painful turn as the amputee now faces serious eye challenges and has lost one eye.

Paul, a student of the Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, was electrocuted on May 21, 2025, while hoisting a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag with an iron rod handle which touched a high-tension wire along Roadblock to ATC Road, near the polytechnic gate in Jalingo.

He was rushed to Girad Hospital, Magami in Jalingo before he was transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital inside the Taraba State Specialist Hospital where his two hands were amputated on June 19, 2025, to save his life after 28 days of intensive care.

Speaking to our correspondent in Jalingo on Thursday, Paul said after surviving the amputation, he started developing severe eye complications which have now led to the loss of his left eye.

"After I lost my two hands, I thought that was the end of my pains, but now my eyes are failing me. I have already lost one eye and the other one is not seeing clearly. I am in serious pain and I need help. My contact is +2348108338010.

"I don't know why God didn't take my life during the electrocution. I would have been dead and my parents and relations would have since forgotten about me.

"I must thank the governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his support. A week after I was discharged from the hospital, I received the sum of N500,000 which aided me to treat the wounds that were still remaining on my body. Since then I have been calling the person concerned, but he keeps saying 'I will get back to you' which has yielded no result," he said in tears.

He appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State Government, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to come to his aid for urgent eye surgery and to provide him with artificial hands to enable him to live a normal life again.

Paul had earlier thanked Governor Kefas for sponsoring his medical bills from the day of the incident to the point of amputation, but said he has been left without proper rehabilitation.

When contacted, Dr. Danga, a personal physician to Governor Agbu Kefas, said government is a process but assured that government would look into the challenge.

It would be recalled that Paul was hoisting the PDP flag during preparations for the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Taraba for the Taraba Investment Summit, TARAVEST, when the tragedy struck.

Remain Security Conscious At Your PPAs - NYSC Coordinator Tells Corps Members

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Ella Aji Williams, has urged corps members to remain security conscious and dedicated as they proceed to their Places of Primary Assignment.

Williams gave the charge on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Orientation Course in Jalingo.

He said the ceremony marked not just the completion of the three-week orientation exercise, but the emergence of a new generation of young Nigerians equipped with discipline, leadership and patriotism.

The Coordinator said corps members who arrived as graduates of different institutions were leaving as members of one national family bound by the ideals of the NYSC.

Williams also advised the corps members to be punctual, responsible and innovative at their PPAs and to put to use the entrepreneurial skills acquired during the SAED programme.

"I warmly welcome you all to the memorable closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Orientation Course. Today, we celebrate not merely the completion of three weeks orientation but the successful emergence of a new generation of young Nigerians better equipped in discipline, leadership, patriotism, resilience and the noble spirit of service.

"At your Places of Primary Assignment, I enjoin you to be punctual, responsible, innovative and dedicated. I also encourage you to put to use the skills you acquired through the SAED programme, do not allow the skills acquired to remain dormant as certificates of pleasant memories of camp activities," he said.

He further urged them to obey NYSC regulations, and maintain regular communication with their love ones.

Constituents Calling For Change In Jalingo/Yorro/Zing - PDP Flagbearer

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Imam, has said constituents are calling for a change from what he described as poor representation by the incumbent lawmaker, Prince Abbas Sadiq.

Imam disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Jalingo on Sunday.

He said dissatisfaction with the current representation had contributed to rising poverty, with many young people resorting to begging and criminal activities for survival.

According to him, the constituency needs a representative who will prioritize job creation and skills acquisition for youths and women to tackle poverty and insecurity.

Imam said his decision to contest was driven by the desire to attract development and transform living conditions.

"My experience as a former lawmaker and commissioner will enable me to enact legislation that will address problems and advance the development of the constituency, as well as carry out oversight functions to promote good governance.

"I am contesting to tackle the growing poverty that is dragging our youths into vices. My desire is to attract development to the constituency and transform the living conditions of the constituents. The constituents are not happy with the poor representation of the current member, Prince Abbas, and are calling for a positive change," he said.

He explained that his four-year tenure in the Taraba State House of Assembly left visible legacies that generations would continue to benefit from.

"My legacies are visible. My four years in the State House of Assembly have left unprecedented legacies that generations would continue to benefit from," he explained.

Imam listed some of his achievements to include construction of maternity clinics in Turaki A and Sintali wards, establishment of a computer training centre which graduated over 2,000 people and facilitation of employment for 105 youths.

He added that his ambition remains building a future for unemployed youths and alleviating poverty.

"My ambition is to build the future for unemployed youths and alleviate poverty among constituents. I want my constituents to understand and choose the path of building a greater future for the people to thrive," he added.

OPINION: HOW THE ENTIRE MUMUYE LAND STOOD STILL IN ADORATION OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ALH. ADO ADAMU MAZANG II CLOCK 20 ON THE THRONE OF HIS FOREFATHERS

 

By Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo, Dallatun Bantaje

Last Saturday, the 16th day of October 2026, history was rewritten in Pantisawa. 

The administrative headquarters of Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State stood still, not in silence, but in celebration, in adoration of a monarch who has given twenty years of his life to his people.

It was the day the entire Mumuye land celebrated its Royal Father, His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II, as he clocked 20 years on the throne of his forefathers. The palace of the Mumuye monarch was agog.

From the early hours, Mumuye sons and daughters poured in from within the chiefdom, from other parts of Taraba State, from across Nigeria, and many who reside in the diaspora flew in to add colour to the traditional and cultural revolution of the chiefdom and to rejoice with the Royal Father for God's protection, wisdom and guidance.

As early as 7 o'clock in the morning, cultural dancers in full traditional and cultural attires started arriving at the revered palace to take their positions. The beating of drums, the sound of flutes and the rhythmic chants announced that the day was different.

Different clans came with different kinds of dance steps. The Kpang, the Apava, the Shambo and other traditional troupes took turns to entertain invited guests and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mumuye land. The display continued non-stop until two o'clock in the afternoon.

At that hour, the celebration paused for spiritual reflection. Muslim adherents trooped to the central mosque nearby and performed the obligatory two-unit Jummu'at prayers.

The prayers were led by the Taraba State Chairman of the Muslims Council, Sheikh Modibbo Bashir Hamman Adama. Shortly after the prayers, the revered cleric offered special prayers for the long life, prosperity and successful reign of His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II.

Sheikh Adama also admonished believers to respect Allah and His Prophet, and then to respect their leaders in the interest of peace and tranquility. It was a moment that blended faith with royalty, and tradition with religion.

Immediately after prayers at the mosque, personalities trooped back to the palace and the ceremony officially commenced.

The palace ground, already decorated with traditional motifs and royal colours, became a convergence of leaders, elders, youth, women groups, title holders and well-wishers.

The ceremony commenced with speeches from eminent personalities who showered different kinds of encomiums on the Royal Father. Each speaker came with a personal testimony of the Chief's impact.

Among the speakers were the Chairperson of Yorro Local Government Area, Hon. Justina Anthony, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah of the UMCN Southern Conference, and The Danruwai of Mumuye, a retired Bursar of the Federal College of Education, Yola, amongst several other dignitaries.

It was at that gathering that many invited guests got the privilege to know the true history of the throne. That on the 16th of October 2006, Ado Adamu Mazang, as first son, succeeded his father following the demise of His Highness Adamu Mazang I.

He was appointed and turbaned by the then Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly T. Nyame, who charged him to be fair and just to his subjects irrespective of ethnic, religious or sectional affiliation.

That charge has not been taken lightly. For twenty years, Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II has carried everybody along in the discharge of his onerous responsibilities, without bias and without rancour.

In her remarks, the Local Government Chairperson, Mrs. Justina Anthony, described him as an exceptional leader who treats everyone with respect, devoid of any sentiment. She noted that the Chief does not involve himself in anything which does not concern him.

She added that despite his non-partisan posture, he has lobbied and brought several goodies for the people of the chiefdom, including roads, schools and empowerment opportunities. She called him a silent achiever and a father to all.

In his own remarks, a clergy from Zing LGA, Taraba State, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, told the gathering that the Royal Father has promoted peace and unity in the whole Mumuye nation. He appealed to the Mumuye people to continue to support him to succeed.

Other speakers echoed the same sentiment - that Mumuye chiefdom today speaks with one voice because its traditional head has refused to divide it along political or religious lines.

Responding with visible emotion, the Royal Father thanked the mammoth crowd and described the gathering as a manifestation of pure love by his people. He said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity.

He urged them to continue to support government in its development policies and programmes, noting that no chiefdom can develop in isolation from the state.

Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang, however, pledged to continue to improve the living conditions of his subjects and to keep his doors open to all, no matter how low or high.

He commended the present administration under Governor Agbu Kefas for its support and for giving traditional institutions the space to thrive.

Indeed, 20 years on the throne has been 20 years of milestones. What many have called the Brochure of His Achievements was unveiled not on paper, but in the lives of the people.

First is peaceful and purposeful leadership. The Mumuye chiefdom is generally peaceful today. Farmer-herder conflicts, communal skirmishes and chieftaincy disputes that have ravaged other areas have been managed with wisdom.

Second is the upgrading of 26 Ward Jauros to esteemed Village Heads, thereby giving grassroots leadership dignity and administrative relevance.

Third is the creation of additional villages and districts to bring governance closer to the people and to ensure every hamlet feels the presence of the palace.

Fourth is the turbaning of eminent personalities as District Heads and other traditional title holders, a deliberate move to involve capable hands in the development of the chiefdom.

Fifth is the modernization of his palace and the upgrading of the Mumuye Yam Festival, known as SANTI, from a local harvest rite to an international cultural festival that now attracts tourists and researchers.

Sixth is his record as a peacemaker. He successfully resolved several crises that would have caused terrible conflict. For instance, the land misunderstanding between Kwaji and his chiefdom was settled amicably through his intervention, as was the protracted internal conflict within the UMCN.

Seventh is unity. Today, all stakeholders in Mumuye chiefdom speak with one voice. That unity was visible on Saturday as Christians and Muslims, youth and elders, all danced together.

Eighth is physical development driven by personal example. He personally participated in the clearance of the road leading from Jalingo to Pantisawa through Mallam Audu, transforming it from a footpath to a motorable road that has now become the economic artery of Yorro LGA.

 His insistence on education, voter registration and agriculture as tools of liberation, which has increased school enrolment and civic participation across the chiefdom.

As the sun set over Pantisawa last Saturday, what was seen was not just a ceremony. It was a referendum on leadership.

The people came not because they were compelled, but because they were convinced. They came because for 20 years, their King has not disappointed them.

The significance of this anniversary goes beyond the palace. It tells a story that traditional institution, when led by a just and humble leader, can still be the anchor of peace and progress in modern Nigeria.

For the younger generation, the 20-year reign of Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II is a lesson in patience, fairness, and service. It is proof that power is best preserved by using it for others.

As the cultural troupes danced into the night and prayers continued to rise, one prayer was on every lip: that Allah continues to grant the Royal Father long life, good health, and greater wisdom to steer the ship of Mumuye land for many more years.

Long live His Royal Highness Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II.

Long live Mumuye Chiefdom.

Long live Taraba State.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this medium.