TSU ASUU Strike: Gov Kefas approves N500m

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has approved  N500 million for the Taraba State University Jalingo.

The State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mike Dio Jen, made the position known while interacting with Newsmen in Jalingo on Monday.

According to the Commissioner, Dr Agbu noted that the additional N300 million is in addition to the previous N200 million he had earlier approved last week, totalling N500 million. He pleaded with the Academy Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off the strike to enable the institution to resume its activities.

Dr Mike explained that, "The governor inherited the salaries of about two years, Earned Academic Allowance and Administrative Allowance for the non-academy staff amounting to over four billion (4,000,000,000).

"On the 12/3/2026, the governor after meeting with the union leaders approved the sum of over N3billion and immediately gave approval for N200,000,000 be released to them, and assured ASUU that starting from April N100,000,000 monthly will be releasing to settle the backlog of the demands of this union and today he approved additional N300,000,000 upfront that will covere the month of April, May and June respectively.

"In assumption of office, he assured them that he was going to pay and the government paid over one billion N1,000,000,000 for now, and we entered into an agreement with them that contains other demands that bother the welfare of Academy and non-academy staff ranging from the issue of lack of promotion for academy staff, nonpayment of salary and their promotion areas.

"Immediately we came on board we sworn into action, they were Seven demands brought by the academy union and the non-academy staff union, and all the seven demands were discussed and solved, five of them were completely settled, then the two major demands that were left is the issue of pension and gratuities, payment of backlog of salary areas and the EAA and AA. When the governor came in, he proved the point of agreement where two hundred million was released to them, and there was an agreement that the government will release the sum of N50 million monthly until such a time that the entire thing will be settled.

"Be it as it may, the situation we have in this country the income or resources at the disposal of the government is not consistent, its fluctuate, even what we get from the federal account is not consistent and there are competing demands, look at insecurity, it is consuming the resources we have in the State.

"When the government slashed the school fees by 50% which is the main revenue, the government decided to take over the entire payment of salaries which was Three hundred and Eight million (308,000,000) per month to Six hundreds and thirty seven million, eighteen thousand four hundreds and fourthy four naira, ninety seven Kobo per month because of the implementation of the new minimum wage which is the highest paid institution in the northern Nigeria," he said.

Highlighting some of the governor's achievements in the university, Dio noted that, Dr Agbu Kefas had earlier spent over N2b for the renovation of the hostels and N400,000,000 was expended for the building of the new hostel in the institution also gave approval of over N1.43b was given to release for the accreditation of courses in the six higher institutions in the state.

CSO advocate improved health service delivery in Taraba

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Association of Civil Society Organisations in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has l carried out a two-day advocacy visit to key government health agencies to close the gap in health service delivery in Taraba State. 

Alh Mohammed Tanko Danburam, Team Lead, emphasised during the advocacy in Jalingo that patients are being forced to travel to other facilities or purchase medicines from private pharmacies, increasing costs and delaying access to care.

He explained that the visits is aimed to present community feedback on gaps affecting malaria, maternal health, and HIV services.

According to Danburam, the team engaged four agencies, including the Taraba State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency where they presented the absence of ultrasound scanner services at Nyaja Primary Health Care Centre and stock-outs of malaria treatment commodities.

He said that the affected facilities include First Referral Hospital Sunkani and Manji PHC, Gassol LGA, and Denden Primary Health Care Centre in Donga LGA. The team also highlighted shortages of HIV testing kits at Lufu PHC in Takum LGA.

Danburam stressed that addressing these gaps is critical to strengthening community health systems and ensuring residents have access to life-saving interventions.

"We are representing community voices, and the lack of Malaria and HIV compels patients to travel to other facilities or purchase medicines from private pharmacies, thereby increasing costs and delaying timely access to care," he said.

Responding, Malaria focal person Mr. Muhammad Mahmud of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Coordinator, Logistics Management Coordinating Unit, Pharm. Ada Frank, and Mr. Bala Zungyeri, Secretary, Taraba State AIDS Control Agency, all noted with concern that the issues will be investigated and acted upon within the shortest period.

Many Farmers May Quit Farming This Year – AFAN Chairman

 

By Hannah  Theophilus 

The Taraba State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Saliu Adamu Kumba, has revealed that a large number of farmers may abandon farming this year.

Kumba disclosed this in an interview with our reporter in Jalingo, attributing the development to the declining prices of food commodities, which he said have created serious challenges for agricultural investment and caused severe hardship for farmers.

He, however, encouraged farmers to continue farming using the resources available to them in order to ensure food sufficiency in the state and the country at large.

Kumba stressed that many farmers can no longer afford fertilizers, tractors, and other farm inputs due to their rising costs.

He reiterated that farmers need empowerment, encouragement, and greater government attention to help tackle hunger and prevent famine in the state.

The AFAN chairman noted that participation in dry-season farming this year was lower compared to previous years, warning that more farmers may withdraw from farming if the situation is not addressed.

While commending the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for his support to the association in the previous year, Kumba called on the governor to assist farmers at the right time to reduce production costs and ensure food commodities remain available at stable prices.

He also appealed to governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals in society to support farmers directly, rather than channeling assistance through intermediaries that often fail to reach farmers in the field.

Tiv group lauds Gov. Kefas, Alia's peace initiative in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA), Taraba State, has on Monday commended the visit of Governor, Agbu Kefas and his contactparts governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia to Wukari, Abako, and Chanchanji to address security challenges in Southern Taraba.

In a statement by the Association's President General, Chief James Chihi Bakah, expressed appreciation for the governors' efforts, explained that it was a powerful demonstration of compassion and commitment to protecting lives. 

He stated that the joint visit is a demonstration of responsible leadership and inter-state cooperation, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the affected communities.

Baka noted that the visit had reassured displaced families that the government remains committed to restoring normalcy and rebuilding confidence.

The Tiv community acknowledged the assurances given by the governors regarding strengthened security deployments and humanitarian support to displaced persons. 

He commended traditional rulers, including the Aku Uka of Wukari and the Tor Tiv V, for their leadership and commitment to peacebuilding.

"The visit of the two governors was not merely ceremonial. It was a powerful demonstration of responsible leadership, compassion, and interstate cooperation aimed at restoring peace and stability in the affected communities.

"We call on all communities in Southern Taraba to embrace peace and support the ongoing efforts of government, traditional rulers, and security agencies to restore stability," he said.

Rising Lassa Fever Cases in Taraba Raise Concerns as Death Toll Hits 45

 

 By Thomas Samuel 

The growing number of Lassa fever cases in Taraba State is becoming increasingly alarming, with the death toll now reaching 45.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), a total of 75 deaths have been recorded across the country, with Taraba State among the worst-affected states, followed by Bauchi State.

The Taraba State Epidemiologist, Udi Aketemo, says the recent increase in confirmed cases is partly due to the state government’s intensified testing efforts and the availability of a testing and treatment centre within the state.

He explained that in the past, samples had to be transported as far as Cross River State for testing. According to him, the process was difficult and time-consuming, and many cases went unnoticed.

However, with a testing centre now operating at Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, the process has become faster and more efficient. This has significantly reduced the turnaround time for test results, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment.

Aketemo disclosed that the state currently has 200 suspected cases, out of which 95 have been confirmed positive.

Concerns Over Specialist Hospital Closure

Meanwhile, some residents have expressed concerns about the closure of the state’s Specialist Hospital, arguing that it may have contributed to the rising number of deaths.

Earlier this year, the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, ordered the complete closure of the facility to allow for a comprehensive overhaul.

But Aketemo insists that the closure has no direct medical consequences for the treatment and care of Lassa fever patients. He explained that the state has only one accredited treatment centre for the disease — the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo — where response efforts are currently being concentrated.

Government Response and Public Health Advice

The epidemiologist also revealed that Governor Kefas has released funds to support mass sensitisation campaigns and other logistical needs aimed at containing the outbreak.

He urged residents of Taraba to take preventive measures seriously. According to him, people should avoid spreading food items on highways, refrain from eating food contaminated by rodents, and maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly.

With the increasing number of infections, health officials are emphasizing the importance of public awareness and early detection in curbing the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

Four Shops Razed in Jalingo Market Fire

By Thomas Samuel 

Fire has destroyed a block of four shops at Mile Six Market in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. yesterday, according to eyewitnesses who said the fire started in one of the stores before spreading rapidly to other shops in the building.

They explained that efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by the scarcity of water and fire extinguishers in the area.

Sympathising with the affected traders, the District Head of Howai in Kona Chiefdom, Michael Vakkai, described the incident as heartbreaking. He said the wave of fire outbreaks in the state is alarming and urged residents to be vigilant and keep the contact numbers of fire service officials.

Two of the shop owners, Blessing Akeh and Moses Baba, expressed deep sadness over the incident, lamenting that their investments were wiped out within a twinkle of an eye. They appealed to public-spirited individuals to come to their assistance.

Also speaking, the youth leader of Mile Six, Emmanuel James, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the efforts of young entrepreneurs had been destroyed. He added that the fire could not be brought under control because the area lacks a functional borehole.

Community leaders commended the efforts of the Federal Fire Service for swiftly responding to the distress call.

Records show that from January to February this year, the state has witnessed a series of fire incidents. The most devastating among them include the destruction of Wukari Local Government Secretariat, The Significant Place International Ministries mobile link in Abuja Phase One, More Pharmacist, and the Maoka Form warehouse at ATC, among others.

Recently, the Federal Controller of Fire Service in the state, Yakubu Dungus, urged residents to exercise caution while using electrical appliances.

In response to the rising cases of fire disasters, Governor Agbu Kefas has constituted a high-powered committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incidents. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations soon, as residents continue to call for improved equipment and rapid response capacity for both state and federal fire services.

World Cancer Day: Expert Links Hepatitis B and C to Majority of Liver Cancer Cases

 

By Thomas Samuel 

The founder of the Centre for Initiative and Development, Danjuma Ada, has said that Hepatitis B and C account for nearly eighty per cent of all primary liver cancer cases.

Danjuma Ada made this known in a Facebook post to mark this year’s World Cancer Day celebration.

He explained that scientists have discovered that Hepatitis B is a DNA virus that penetrates the human genetic core of liver cells, thereby causing liver damage. According to him, once the virus gains entry into the liver, it can transform into cancer.

Ada further revealed that aflatoxin, commonly found in grains such as maize when stored for long periods, is another factor that amplifies the effects of Hepatitis.

He added that the danger of Hepatitis B and C lies in their slow progression, noting that an individual could live with the disease for up to ten years without noticeable symptoms, however, once symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred.

The founder of the Centre for Initiative and Development advised the public to go for routine medical check-ups and urged those affected to remain consistent with their medication.