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.

TARABA THERAPY' agenda is design to build job creators, not just job seekers - Prof. Nyameh

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Accord Party gubernatorial candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, said he has designed a comprehensive economic blueprint aimed at moving youths away from dependence on government jobs and into entrepreneurship and wealth creation, named the plan 'TARABA THERAPY' Agenda.

Prof. Nyameh made the know on Tuesday in Jalingo while interacting with journalists.

Nyameh, a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business, said government employment remains important but cannot accommodate the growing population of young and talented people in the state. 

He argued that waiting for white-collar jobs alone will not solve the unemployment challenge.

"Government jobs are important, but the truth is that they are limited. They can never absorb the growing population of talented and energetic young people in Taraba State," he said.

He explained that the TARABA THERAPY Agenda goes far beyond the traditional approach. According to him, he has developed practical policies, strategic initiatives, and sustainable programmes designed to create jobs, generate wealth, and empower youths to become economically independent.

Nyameh said his vision is clear and direct to take Taraba youths off the streets and into productive ventures, noted that this would be achieved through targeted interventions across agriculture, entrepreneurship, technology, manufacturing, the creative industry, vocational skills, and other key sectors.

He stated that thousands of young people will be given the opportunity to build successful careers and businesses of their own under the agenda, stressed that the initiatives are practical, achievable, and focused on delivering measurable results rather than political promises.

The Gruber candidate outlined the expected impact of the plan to include reduced unemployment and poverty, improved security and social stability, and less dependence on scarce government jobs. 

He added that the agenda will also lead to stronger communities, stronger local economies, and greater innovation and productivity.

The gubernatorial hopeful said the benefits of having more self-employed youths and business owners will extend beyond individuals to entire communities, and maintained that building human capital is central to sustainable development in the state.

"My goal is simple, to raise a generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, wealth creators, and employers of labour, not just job seekers," Nyameh stated.

He said that the blueprint is built on years of research, professional experience, and practical knowledge in youth entrepreneurship, community development, and economic empowerment. 

Nyameh further disclosed that as the gubernatorial campaign officially begins soon, he will be unveiling the specific initiatives under the agenda one after another.

Taraba is not for sale to frustration - Kefas' group berates Sen. Tutare

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

 The Agbu Kefas Continuity Movement has condemned a recent video by Senator Abubakar Tutare, describing it as a bitter and desperate outburst that exposes his true intentions for seeking the governorship of Taraba State under the ADC.

In a statement issued in Jalingo on Monday and signed by its Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Ardo, the group said the video revealed a dangerous and outdated mindset that views governance as a tool for rewarding cronies rather than serving the people.

Correspondent reports that in the clip, Senator Tutare maintained, "Unfortunately the present governor whom we believe can do better than former governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, we stand today to give kudos to Darius. If it is awarding contracts, he gives it to Niger Delta, not even his friends in Taraba. He doesn’t consider them that deserve to be helped to become rich.

"I want to assure you that we are going to change this. Taraba will be for Tarabans. Our resources will be channeled towards developing the state," he said.

Reacting further, coordinator  recalled that Senator Tutare has held several high-ranking positions including Member of the State House of Assembly, Commissioner at different times, Secretary to the State Government, and Senator of the Federal Republic but had nothing to show.

"What Tarabans saw in that video was not leadership. It was frustration, the frustration of a career politician who has spent decades in power but struggles to point to enduring impact.

"With such a long record in public office, one would expect a legacy of transformation. Instead, what we see is loud criticism without corresponding evidence of past performance," it added.

The group described Tutare’s remarks as out of touch with reality, particularly his failure to acknowledge ongoing progress across the state. It cited education reforms, payment of long-overdue gratuitie to retirees, and completion of abandoned projects as evidence of the current administration’s impact.

The movement warned that Taraba cannot afford to return to an era where public resources were controlled by a few individuals at the expense of the majority. It insisted that the state has moved beyond that culture.

It also faulted Tutare’s position on security, noting that the safety situation has improved significantly under Governor Agbu Kefas. The group recalled that there was a time even prominent figures could not access their communities freely due to insecurity.

"There was a time when even prominent figures like Senator Tutare could not freely access their communities due to insecurity. Today, there is measurable improvement. Yet, instead of acknowledging progress, he chooses distortion," the statement read.

Taraba govt. begins another set of recruitment into civil service

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Taraba state government has on Thursday, announced the commencement of another set of employment into the civil service.

Mr. Philip Kundila, the chairman Taraba state civil service commission disclosed in a press briefing that, a total of 1,805, applicants are targeted for employment during the exercise.

According to the chairman, the hitherto ghost workers have also been absorbed into the civil service.

Kundila explained that the development was governor Agbu Kefas' directive to employ more competent citizens into the state civil service, after a long period of non employment in the state.

He also stated that the newly absorbed workers numbering, 3,187 form the first  phase of employment exercise under governor Agbu Kefas.

The chairman urged applicants to be conscious of fraudsters who may approach them under the guise of assistance.

He warned that, any individual found in such act will be punish in accordance with the law, as the exercise is free of charge, while the sale of form is 3000 Naira only.

"Do not give money to anyone in the name of assisting you to be employ. The employment is free.

"All applicants must follow through the processes, and successful ones will be shortlisted for interview. Only qualify candidate will be employ to ensure excellent civil service in Taraba state". The chairman warned.

The commission chairman and the permanent secretary, comrade David Nyan, thanked governor Agbu Kefas for the development, and for approving funds for the renovation of the commission's secretariat.