High Court adjourns hearing on Gabriel Olayinka's bail condition to 30th July

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba state High Court (2) sitting in Jalingo on Tuesday adjourned till 30th, July 2026, to rule on the bail condition application filed in a case between  Mr. Isa Jibril and a Taraba base Businessman and Journalist, Mr. Gabriel Olayinka.

Our reporter says Mr. Olayinka is standing trial over alleged criminal breach of trust, and has been in detention at the Jalingo correctional centre since January 2026.

The upper area Court in Jalingo had ordered that the sum of 100 million be deposited in the court registry and one suretie as condition for the accused journalist to be released on bail.

Counsel for the accused persons, Barr. P.D Pius, of P.D Pius and Associates is seeking the variation of the bail condition to enable his client be released from the prison.

When the case came up for hearing, counsel for the complainant, D.G Tukura opposed the application and asked the court to strike it out for lack of competence.

Barr. Tukura had earlier filed a notice  of preliminary objections challenging the competence of the application, and a counter affidavit opposing the bail application.

Tukura argued that order 2, of the  court stipulate how processes for an application be made, which the defendant counsel failed to act as supposed.

Barr. Tukura also insisted that the counsel failed to State clearing the condition given by the lower court, and what he want the high court to intervene in.

However, Barr. P.D Pius argued that the matter was civil in nature, and does not require such bail condition. He prayed the court to grant his application to enable his client enjoy his bail rights.

Meanwhile, the judge, justice Nuhu Adi, adjourned the matter to 30th, July 2026 for ruling.

Taraba Sanitation agency begins desilting drainages across LGAs

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo   

The Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency (TSESA), has embarked on the mass clearing of drainages across the 16 local government headquarters to tackle predicted flooding.

The Chairman of TSESA, Iliya Kefas Alhaji, disclosed this on Tuesday while conducting journalists round the exercise in Jalingo.

He noted that the agency has also commenced the spraying of herbicides to clear bushes by roadsides across the state to safeguard pedestrians and improve hygiene.

Iliya explained that the exercise was ongoing simultaneously in all 16 local government headquarters in the state.

He said Governor Agbu Kefas had approved funds for the agency to carry out the statewide cleanliness campaign and urged residents to properly dispose waste at designated areas for easy evacuation.

"Our governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has already approved funds for the agency to conduct the cleanliness of the state. We have engaged thousands of youths. Some are for sweeping our streets, some for opening blockages in drainages, while others are for spraying herbicides by the roadsides.

"The job is a difficult one. It needs energy, power and determination. We have to do it. Nobody can come here and do it for us. It is our state and it is our responsibility to make it clean," he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Jalingo have commended Governor Kefas for establishing TSESA, adding that the sanitation in the state capital has greatly improved hygiene.

Speaking with our correspondent during the exercise, residents called on the governor to sustain the operations of the agency. 

A resident of mayo-Dassa, Mr Francis Ikyur said the state capital had not witnessed such a clean outlook in years.

"The drainages here in Mayo-Dassa were totally blocked and filled with sand. There were no waterways and that was why we were having constant flooding anytime there was little rain. Now, waterways have been opened by TSESA. No matter how it rains, the water will always have its way to pass," he added.

Gombe South youths commend HUB Foundation for community development efforts

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Gombe South Youths in Politics have commended the humanitarian interventions of the Hub 2023 Grand Development Foundation, describing the organisation as a model for community-driven development and peaceful coexistence across northern Nigeria.

The Hub 2023 Grand Development Foundation is a non-governmental organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with members drawn from across Nigeria and active chapters in Gombe, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Taraba states.

The commendation followed a series of community engagement activities undertaken by the Foundation in Gombe State under the leadership of its President, Chief Barr. Gibson Timothy Kataps, Secretary to the Taraba State Government.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Coordinator of Gombe South Youths in Politics said the Foundation had continued to demonstrate genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people through initiatives that promote unity, peace and sustainable development.

According to the coordinator, members of the Foundation visited Tanglang in Billiri Local Government Area to condole with one of its members, Dr. Arabs Rukujei, over the death of his elder brother.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Mai Kaltungo at his palace in Kaltungo Local Government Area, where discussions centred on strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in the promotion of peace and community development.

The Foundation further visited businessman and politician, Hon. Dr. Jerry Joseph Damara, the APC candidate for Gombe South Senatorial District, in recognition of his contributions to the socio-economic development of the zone.

The youths noted that beyond solidarity visits, the Foundation had distinguished itself through projects including the provision of solar-powered boreholes, installation of solar streetlights, youth empowerment programmes and initiatives targeted at improving the livelihoods of women across communities where it operates.

"We commend Chief Barr. Gibson Timothy Kataps and the entire Hub 2023 Grand Development Foundation for their selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to humanity. Their activities continue to unite people across state boundaries and inspire hope among communities. We encourage the Foundation to sustain its noble interventions," he said.

The group also acknowledged the contributions of the Foundation’s Organising Secretary, Barr. Sani Marke, describing him as one of the key figures driving the organisation’s grassroots mobilisation and programme coordination.

According to the group, Marke has played a strategic role in expanding the Foundation’s reach through effective coordination of community engagements and partnerships that align with the organisation’s vision of promoting peace, inclusion and sustainable development.

The youths called on governments, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives, noting that collaborative efforts remained essential to achieving sustainable community development.

IAVMN names Prof. Subair as new president

 

By Godwin Agia

The Institute of Assets and Values Management of Nigeria, IAVMN, has appointed Professor Kolawole Subair, as its new President and Chairman of the Governing Council.

In a statement signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Babatunde Akinsanya, the institute said Subair was unanimously appointed by the Governing Council at its meeting held on Sunday, at the IAVMN Secretariat in Lagos.

According to the statement, the council also appointed 10 other members of the new governing council.

They include Mr. Olusola Fajimi, 1st Vice President; Sir Dr. Emeka Ariguzo, 2nd Vice President; Mr. Oseni-Ope Bashiru Temitayo, Treasurer; and Prof. Babatunde Akinsanya, Registrar/Chief Executive.

Other council members are Hon. Taiwo Owolabi; Engr. Gbenga Alani Odemuyiwa, Mr. Oboh Emmanuel Attah, Miss Adedoyin Adelakun, Alhaji Mohammed Yayangida Umar, and Mr. Tajudeen Olawale Ekemode.

"The Institute of Assets and Values Management of Nigeria is pleased to formally announce to its members, stakeholders, and the general public that the Governing Council unanimously approved and appointed Prof. Kolawole Subair, PhD, FIAVMN, as the President/Chairman of the Governing Council," statement read.

The institute expressed confidence that Subair’s wealth of experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to professional excellence would strengthen its mission of promoting professionalism, ethical standards, transparency, and best practices in assets and values management in Nigeria.

It added that the council remains committed to advancing the practice through professional development, research, advocacy, capacity building, and the promotion of global best practices.

The institute called on government agencies, corporate organisations, professional bodies, academic institutions, and the public to support its vision of fostering excellence, accountability, and transparency in the management and valuation of assets across Nigeria.

I'll never withdraw from Taraba north race, I remain candidate - Bandawaire

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

The Taraba North senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress APC, Hon. Kabiru Bello Badawaire on Saturday said, he will not withdraw from the race for any individual contesting for the position.

Hon Badawaire also informed that, he was duely elected and confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and has remain the candidate of the APC for the position.

He denounced the claims speculating in the media that the party has replaced his name with incumbent Senator Shuibu Isa Lau as candidate of the party for the position.

"I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North senatorial district. I am the candidate, and will not step aside for any individual.

"I can't sale out the mandate given to me by the masses. I am not aware of my replacement, and the party has not communicated me". Hon. Badawaire insisted.

The Taraba North senatorial candidate stated that the section 29 of the Electoral act, clearly stipulates that, until a duely elected candidate decides to withdraw from a race before he or she can be replaced with another candidate by the party.

"I do not look like one who will withdraw from the race, and that remains my possession. The party must have to respect due process.

"The claims of my replacement is not democratic. Except a candidate is properly communicated and he concealed to the idea, or has willingly written to the party of his decision to step aside from the contest before can be replaced.

"I wish to inform Tarabans That my name is not replaced with any individual. I remain the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Taraba North, and will not withdraw for any body". Badawaire stated.

2027: Accord Guber candidate Prof. Nyameh names Ex-CPS campaign Spokesperson

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Accord Party governorship candidate in Taraba State, Prof. Jerome Nyameh, has appointed Mallam Lawal Sani Kona as Spokesperson for his 2027 campaign.

Sani Kona a retired Director of Program at the Taraba State Broadcasting Service, previously served as Chief Press Secretary to former Deputy Governor, Engr. Haruna Manu.

In a statement on Saturday, Nyameh described Sani Kona as a highly trained and accomplished media professional with extensive experience in journalism, documentary production, translation, and strategic communication.

"Mallam Lawal Sani Kona is a highly trained and accomplished media professional with extensive experience in journalism, documentary production, translation, and strategic communication. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through dedicated service in various reputable media organizations, earning a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

"His wealth of experience in media engagement, public communication, and information management makes him exceptionally qualified for this important responsibility. As Campaign Spokesperson, he will play a pivotal role in articulating our vision, policies, and commitment to building a better future for the people of Taraba State.

"Mallam Lawal Sani Kona hails from Jalingo Local Government Area and brings to the campaign a deep understanding of the aspirations of our people, as well as the communication expertise needed to effectively engage stakeholders across the state and beyond.

"I congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment and wish him success as we work together to advance our collective vision for a prosperous, united, and progressive state under The Taraba Therapy agenda 2027," statement read.

Corps member empowers 1,102 women, students with vocational, literacy training

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Joy Alkali, has trained and empowered 1,102 students and women in Taraba State through vocational skills acquisition, literacy and Computer-Based Test (CBT) training, as part of her Community Development Service project.

Alkali also donated school uniforms to 30 students of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, in Jalingo to support access to education.

The project, implemented under her Better Tomorrow Initiative, was inaugurated on Tuesday after three months of a “Learning to Read” literacy programme and a week-long training in baking, pastry and confectionery.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Alkali said the initiative was designed to equip women and young people with practical, income-generating skills that would enhance their livelihoods, promote self-reliance and contribute to community development.

She said the project was inspired by her commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the classroom, stressing that empowering women creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.

“Today is not just about celebrating the completion of a programme; it is about celebrating hope, empowerment and a better future for our community.

“We believe that when a woman is empowered, her family is strengthened, her community is transformed and the nation becomes better,” she said.

Alkali urged the beneficiaries to put the skills acquired into productive use by establishing small businesses and mentoring others within their communities.

She added that the donation of school uniforms to 30 students was intended to complement the education policy of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, by reducing the financial burden on parents and encouraging school attendance.

The corps member also acknowledged the support of sponsors, facilitators, volunteers and community leaders, noting that the success of the Better Tomorrow Initiative should be measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

The Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Ella Aji Williams, commended Alkali for undertaking a community-focused project in line with the objectives of the NYSC Community Development Service.

Represented by the Head of Community Development Service, Mr Sunday Wankari, Williams also lauded the management of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, and the Taraba State Government for providing a peaceful environment that enabled corps members to execute impactful community projects.

The NYSC Local Government Inspector, Mr Lafal Clement, described the initiative as a model of selfless service and urged other corps members to undertake projects that address the needs of their host communities.

“Let this be a reference point for service that truly touches lives,” he said.

The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, Comrade Abubakar Sanusi, expressed appreciation for Alkali’s contributions, describing her intervention as one that addressed critical needs within the school.

He said the corps member renovated classroom chalkboards, introduced reading support and CBT training, donated school uniforms and carried out other interventions that had significantly benefited students.