10-Year-Old Abia Rep Emerges First Runner-Up At Little Miss Nigeria 2026

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Ten-year-old Ambassador Virtuosa Ihechiziterem Ikemezuo-Chintuo, representing Abia State, has emerged first runner-up at the grand finale of the 2026 Little Miss Nigeria Pageant.

Virtuosa finished second behind eventual winner, Aisha Salau Audu, in the keenly contested national finale that paraded talented young contestants from across the federation.

The 10-year-old prodigy also went home with a cash prize of N300,000 and clinched the Little Miss Nigeria Photogenic title for her poise, confidence and stage presence.

The grand finale featured cultural presentations, intellectual tests and creative showcases that celebrated Nigeria's diverse heritage while instilling leadership values in the girl-child.

Statement by the organisers said the Little Miss Nigeria initiative goes beyond conventional pageantry and provides a developmental platform to nurture intellect, build self-confidence, foster national consciousness and instill positive character in young girls.

They commended judges, corporate partners, parents and guardians for supporting the successful execution of the 2026 edition.

Police to deploy more personnel after hoodlums attack female hostel in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Police Command has promised to deploy more security personnel to student hostels and other vulnerable areas following the attack on the college of nursing sciences' female hostel in the early hours of Saturday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Didango Shehu gave the assurance while confirming the incident to journalists in Jalingo on Monday.

Didango said the Command has received report of the invasion where suspected hoodlums attacked a female hostel located outside the main campus of the institution and dispossessed students of their belongings.

He said the police is aware that one of the female students was allegedly raped during the attack, adding that investigation has commenced to arrest the perpetrators.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police has directed for immediate deployment of more patrol teams to the affected community and other student-dominated areas to forestall further occurrence.

He assured students and the general public that the police would not relent in its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state.

According to students, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when suspected hoodlums invaded the hostel while students were asleep and attacked occupants.

The attackers were said to have dispossessed several students of their mobile phones, money and other personal belongings, with one female student allegedly raped during the invasion.

The development sparked tension among students, leading to a peaceful protest on Saturday morning, as hundreds of students took to the streets to demand improved security.

The students said the protest was not only about Monday's incident but also about the general insecurity faced by those living outside the institution's premises in private hostels.

They lamented that students who cannot secure accommodation within the school campus are forced to live in isolated areas where they are vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Reacting to the incident, the Deputy Provost of the institution, Mr. Khikando Agyo Yavini, who spoke on behalf of the Provost, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas S. Dugule, said management is collaborating with security agencies to address the situation.

He assured that management is on top of the matter and is working to prevent further occurrence, while appealing to students to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations.

Taraba Records 133 Confirmed Lassa Fever Cases, 57 Deaths in 2026

 

 

By Thomas Samuel

Taraba State recorded four suspected cases of Lassa fever, one confirmed case and one death during August 2026, according to the state’s Monthly Epidemiological Bulletin.

The August bulletin of the Taraba State Ministry of Health said the death occurred in neighbouring Gombe State, while the latest positive case reported in Taraba was recorded in Karim Lamido Local Government Area in epidemiological week thirty-two.

The report showed that between epidemiological weeks thirty-one and thirty-five, one Local Government Area was affected by Lassa fever, with one suspected case, one confirmed case and one death recorded.

Year-to-date figures for epidemiological weeks one to thirty-five showed that the state had recorded 380 suspected cases, 133 confirmed cases and 57 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 42.8 percent.

The bulletin identified Ardo-Kola, Bali and Jalingo as the three Local Government Areas with the highest number of Lassa fever cases, accounting for 85 percent of the total cases recorded.

It said health authorities had provided free treatment to suspected and confirmed cases at designated treatment centres, while community leaders and residents were mobilised to strengthen disease surveillance and promote early reporting.

The State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Technical Working Group also holds weekly meetings to review reports from the Local Government Areas and plan appropriate responses.

The Ministry said it would sustain risk communication and public awareness on Lassa fever, strengthen surveillance across all sixteen Local Government Areas and intensify case finding in hotspot communities.

Meanwhile, the bulletin recorded no suspected cases of measles or yellow fever during August. It, however, reported one suspected case of diphtheria in Jalingo, with no sample collected due to the unavailability of sample collection materials.

The Ministry listed inadequate active case searches in affected communities, shortages of sample collection kits, inadequate logistics for transporting samples, poor health-seeking behaviour and limited data support for timely disease reporting among the challenges facing epidemic response in the state.

It recommended increased support for disease surveillance, sample collection and transportation, the provision of diphtheria sample collection materials and treatment commodities, refresher training for clinicians, improved reporting and intensified community health education.

Taraba Records First Diphtheria Case, One Death in Bali

 

By Thomas Samuel

Taraba State has recorded its first confirmed case of diphtheria, with the disease claiming the life of a patient in Bali Local Government Area.

The State Epidemiologist and Coordinator of Health Security, Dr. Udi Aketemo, disclosed this in an interview with our reporter in Jalingo.

Dr. Aketemo said the confirmed case was recorded in Bali, but the patient died from the bacterial infection before comprehensive clinical management could prevent the fatal outcome.

He said the state initially faced difficulties in diagnosing suspected cases due to a lack of appropriate diagnostic facilities.

According to him, the challenge has now been addressed following the deployment of testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

The development, he said, would strengthen Taraba’s capacity to detect and confirm suspected diphtheria cases more rapidly.

Dr. Aketemo disclosed that fourteen suspected cases were subsequently identified and tested, but all fourteen samples returned negative.

He said the Ministry of Health had activated its public health surveillance system to contain the disease and prevent further transmission, with particular attention being paid to Bali and surrounding communities.

The surveillance system is expected to track suspected cases, monitor high-risk communities and facilitate rapid medical intervention where necessary.

With the confirmation of the case, Taraba has joined the growing number of states in Nigeria battling diphtheria, amid ongoing national efforts to contain the vaccine-preventable disease.

Health officials are urging parents and caregivers across the state, particularly in Bali, to ensure that children are fully vaccinated under the routine immunisation programme.

Residents are also advised to report suspected symptoms, including severe sore throat, fever and difficulty breathing, to the nearest health facility without delay.

Authorities say sustained surveillance, early detection and community awareness will be critical to preventing further spread of diphtheria in the state.

ASUU-TSU gives gov Kefas fresh 14-day deadline, threatens lawful action

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University, Jalingo Branch, has issued a final 14-day ultimatum to the state government to address the outstanding provisions of the FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement.

The Union urged the government to take concrete steps toward full implementation of the outstanding provisions, adding that it will consider lawful measures to protect members’ interests if the issues remain unresolved after the notice expires.

In a statement issued to journalists and signed by the chairman, Dr Joshua Garba Mbave, ASUU- TSU,  also expressed that the final notice is effective from 14th September, 2026, to 28th September, 2026.

The Union noted that some key provisions of the FGN/ASUU 2025 agreement were yet to be fulfilled by the state government and require urgent attention.

"While we acknowledge the Government’s commitment to industrial harmony and dialogue, we wish to note that some key provisions of the Agreement remain outstanding and require urgent attention.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Taraba State Government towards addressing issues affecting the University and implementing the FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement.

Consequently, ASUU-TSU issues a final 14-day notice effective from 14th September, 2026, to 28th September, 2026, urging the government to take concrete steps toward full implementation of the outstanding provisions. The Union remains committed to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue but may consider lawful measures to protect members’ interests if the issues remain unresolved after the expiration of the notice.

"While we urge all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at maintaining a stable and productive academic environment at Taraba State University, we hope for prompt action to sustain stability and uninterrupted academic activities at the University". The statement read.

Correspondent reports that the ASUU-TSU branch, on 13th August 2026, issued a 14-day ultimatum, calling on Governor Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State Government to fully implement the agreement or face industrial action at the University 

However, the ultimatum elapsed on 26th August, 2026, without concrete and verifiable action by the government, while no industrial action was considered at the University by the Union due to the institution's combined convocation that was scheduled within the period.

HoR hopeful, Galadima to inaugurate 50-bed hospital in Taraba community

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

Alhaji Muktar Galadima, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in Taraba, has said he will inaugurate a 50-bed capacity hospital in Ibi next month.

Galadima made the declaration on Sunday during the official flag-off of his 2027 campaign for the House of Representatives election held in Wukari Local Government Area of the State.

He said the hospital, which is nearing completion, is his personal project to address healthcare challenges in Ibi.

The PDP candidate said he would also focus on job creation through partnerships with organisations that would equip the youth in his constituency with the skills needed to be self-employed.

He promised to prioritise grassroots development, youth empowerment, women's participation and initiatives aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of his constituents.

On legislative priorities, Galadima pledged to sponsor a bill that would move mining to the Concurrent List.  

"If voted into power, I will make legislation that will bring mining into the Concurrent List, allowing states and local communities to carry out mining activities within their domain," he said.

Galadima also pledged to remain accessible to the people, saying regular consultation with constituents would form a major part of his approach to legislative representation.

He urged supporters to intensify mobilisation across the wards and communities of Ibi and Wukari, stressing the importance of unity and sustained grassroots engagement.

The PDP candidate appealed to voters to support his candidacy, promising to make the interests of the constituency central to his legislative agenda if elected.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Ibrahim Sale, Taraba State Chairman of the PDP, called on supporters to work collectively to strengthen the party's grassroots structure and improve its chances at the polls.

He also appealed to political actors and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of creating tension among communities.

Correspondent reports that the flag-off in Wukari marked the formal commencement of Galadima's campaign for the Ibi/Wukari Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

My desire is to see TSU among top 10 in Nigeria - Prof. Bako

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

The Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, has said his administration’s goal is to position the institution among the top 10 universities in Nigeria and top 1,000 globally.

Prof. Bako stated this on Friday while briefing journalists ahead of the university’s 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th combined convocation scheduled for Saturday, 12th September, 2026.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the National University Commission, NUC has fully accredited 72 programmes currently running in the university.

"When I came in as the Vice Chancellor, my priority was to ensure that Taraba state university is globally recognised by putting all the necessary requirements in place. We first believed that we must make the institution a university that is supposed to; We try to address primary concern. We first presented 53 programmes, and later submitted others for NUC approval. These programmes have all been accredited.

"In ensuring that Taraba state university produce intellectuals in more critical areas, the community society demanded the existence of certain programme to be run in the university. We identified 53 programmes for consideration.

"After senate approval and subsequent resource verification and due process by the NUC, the programmes were approved. These approval does not mean that the programmes have been automatically commence. They will start at the institution's convenient.

"Although, one or two of those programme like, B.N in mineral resources and Mining has commenced due to governor Agbu Kefas' interest in the programme. We will continue to streamline the programme as resources permit". Prof. Bako informed.

The Vice Chancellor also commended governor Agbu Kefas, the Northeast Development Commission NEDC, teTfund for their unprecedented effort towards improving infrastructure development in the institution.

Bako expressed that the efforts have expanded the institution's ability to accommodate students and administrative activities in the university.

"In terms of governance. We have been trying to strengthen the governance administrative performance within the system by ensuring that the provisions of the university law and guidelines that are relevant to appointment and other regulatory responsibility instruments are improve 

"Under my watch, the university has improved in infrastructure due to governor Agbu Kefas' relentless support. Government has been responsive in improving infrastructure in the institution.

"Through the governor's deliberate effort, we have improved in power and energy; The intervention in physical infrastructure has attracted a 700 capacity multipurpose theatre and the female hostel which will be commission soon. The university has also embraced the digital accessibility of campus activities with free internet WiFi.

"We have improve in staff training. Our Staff have won many awards from teTfund, IBR and others. We have improved students wellbeing issues like, enhance access to healthcare, cancelling and hostels.

"Our Entrepreneurship capacity is expanding the university through the establishment of mini factory which are helping to contribute to the university IGR". Prof. Bako continue.

The VC, informed that through the efforts of the governing council and the senate of the university, the institution has established strategic partnership with other universities across the world to further transform it's standard to be able to compete globally in all areas of academic development.

He expressed that within 15 years of existence, Taraba state university is considered to be one of the universities with rapid growth and expansion.

"Within 15 years, our university is now considered as one of the universities with rapid growth and expansion. We have tried to strengthen all the faculties to meet the global recognition. The institution is among the top 100 university in Nigeria, out of 380 universities in terms of national standings.

"We are visible globally. We are recognise among top 9 thousand universities in the world. My desire is to see TSU been rank among top 10 best Nigeria University, and 1000 in the world". Prof. Bako aspired.