Taraba @35: No political ambition worth the blood of any citizen — Kefas

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has warned political actors against recruiting young people into violence, saying no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen.

Speaking on Friday during activities marking Taraba's 35th anniversary, Kefas noted that as political activities increase, leaders must compete with ideas, not weapons.

Kefas urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial, while traditional rulers should continue to act as fathers to all, and also called on political leaders to act responsibly and for young people to reject being used by politicians.

According to him, his advocacy for "A United State of Taraba" is rooted in the need for collective unity across religious and ethnic lines to develop the state.

"As political activities increase, let us compete with ideas. Let us campaign and disagree but let us not recruit young people into violence.

"We must not weaponise ethnicity and religion. We must not introduce dangerous weapons into our communities. No one's ambition is worth the blood of a Taraba citizen.

"No religion, political party or ethnic group can develop Taraba alone. No Local Government can permanently prosper while another part of the State collapses.

"Our diversity should be our strength. It must never become a weapon against us. Of all the projects we are undertaking, none is more important than our unity," Kefas stated.

He also explained his decision to move from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, describing it as a strategic step to improve Taraba’s engagement with the Federal Government.

"My decision was not an abandonment of those who elected me. It was not an abandonment of my principles. It was a strategic step designed to strengthen Taraba's engagement with the Federal Government and widen development partnerships.

"Political parties are instruments through which leaders pursue service. I did not change my commitment to Taraba. I strengthened the platform from which I pursue that commitment," the Governor added.

He assured that the state will work constructively with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, but will defend Taraba’s interests on issues of security, resources and welfare.

Kefas announced Taraba CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2027.

He said the programme will provide food assistance, household support, temporary jobs, agricultural inputs, health outreach and support for vulnerable groups.

"Taraba CARES does not belong to APC, Christians, Muslims or one tribe. It belongs to vulnerable Taraba citizens who genuinely need intervention. Selection must be based on verified need, transparency and community accountability,"  he explained.

Taraba, L-PRES flags off statewide artificial insemination to boost cattle production

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, on Saturday flagged off a statewide Mass Artificial Insemination Programme for cattle to improve genetics, milk and meat production.

The event held in Jalingo brought together government officials, development partners, livestock stakeholders and farmers.

The Managing Director of Livestock Genetics Africa Ltd, Emmanuel Nnoku, who is executing the programme in the state, said the intervention was aimed at transforming livestock farming through modern breeding technology.

He noted that Livestock Genetics Africa has deployed experienced technical personnel and is already implementing similar programmes in other states. He called for cooperation from farmers and stakeholders to ensure success.

"The essence of this programme is to improve the genetic quality of our cattle through modern breeding technology, with the ultimate objective of increasing milk and meat production, improving herd productivity and enhancing the economic value of livestock farming for our farmers," Nnoku said.

The Taraba State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, said artificial insemination would give farmers access to superior bull genetics without the cost of maintaining breeding bulls.

Represented by L-PRES Animal Health Services Officer Dr Bunsheya Daudu, Albert added that the programme would be implemented across clusters and strategic locations in the state, with support from animal health and husbandry personnel. He urged livestock keepers to make their animals available and follow technical advice.

"Through the careful selection and use of quality semen, we can progressively improve important traits such as milk production, growth rate, fertility, disease tolerance, adaptability and overall productivity of our cattle," Albert stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Taraba State Livestock Development Commission, TALDEC, Dr. Dauda Abubakar M. described the flag-off as a major step toward modernising livestock production.

"I commend the Taraba State L-PRES Project Implementation Unit and all technical partners for this initiative. I also urge our livestock keepers to embrace the programme and make full use of the opportunity being provided to improve the productivity of their herds," Dr. Abubakar said.

He reaffirmed TALDEC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve animal productivity and enhance the livelihoods of livestock-keeping communities.

In his remarks, livestock farmer, former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Arma Yau, appreciated L-PRES and the Taraba State Government for initiating the cross breeding programme in the state.

He said the intervention would go a long way in improving cattle breeds and increasing productivity for livestock farmers in Taraba.

Taraba Launches Climate Change Policy, Targets Forest Protection, Community Resilience

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, said that it represents a decision about the future of the state and its natural resources.

Unveiling the document in Jalingo on Friday, the governor said the policy was aimed at ensuring that Taraba’s forests remain standing and its rivers continue to flow for present and future generations.

"We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba. We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing," Kefas said.

He noted that climate change was already affecting agriculture and communities, with unpredictable rainfall and drying rivers posing serious threats to farmers and residents.

The governor said the policy covers critical sectors including health, infrastructure and education, and stressed that environmental considerations must become an integral part of government planning.

Kefas directed all ministries, traditional institutions, local government councils and citizens to play active roles in implementation, and warned that any climate policy that fails to support farmers would not succeed and urged residents to protect forests and discourage bush burning.

He also called for improved waste management, noting that climate action cannot succeed while streets and drainage systems remain clogged with waste. 

According to him, climate resilience must be mainstreamed into the state’s development plans, with local governments taking the lead since issues such as flooding and bush burning occur mainly at the community level.

Kefas noted that the success of the policy would be measured not by the number of conferences or workshops, but by tangible changes in communities. 

He called on the Federal Government, the National Council on Climate Change, international partners and other stakeholders to collaborate with Taraba in implementing the policy and action plan. 

Kefas added that every citizen could contribute by planting and protecting trees and discouraging bush burning,  described Taraba as richly endowed with mountains, rivers and forests and stressed the need to protect them.

He declared that the Climate Change Policy had come to stay and would form part of the state’s development agenda.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat B. Barde, called on MDAs, LGAs, traditional institutions, communities, youth and women groups, the private sector and development partners to embrace their responsibilities in implementing the policy.

Barde said climate action was a shared mandate that required collective commitment, coordination and sustained action, and described the launch as the beginning of a new phase of coordinated and measurable climate action in the state.

She said the policy would help Taraba build a state that is environmentally sustainable, economically prosperous and resilient to the challenges of changing climate.

Barde applauded Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet and Prosperity, and the African Climate Foundation for their financial and technical support. 

She also commended Governor Kefas for creating an enabling environment and prioritizing climate action in the state.

Accord Candidate Tijo Unveils Four-Point Agenda for Ardo Kola, Karim-Lamido, Lau Constituency

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, the Accord Party candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ardo Kola, Karim-Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, has promised a 4-point agenda to address the challenges facing the constituency.

Dr. Tijo announced this on Wednesday at a press conference in Jalingo to mark the commencement of political campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

He said his decision was informed by the yearnings of constituents for better infrastructure, security, jobs, and healthcare.

Dr. Tijo promised accessible and accountable representation even as he said his campaign would be issue-based, peaceful, and devoid of insults.

He called on INEC and security agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027

"Our people have cried for better roads, potable water, jobs for our youths, security for our farmers, and quality healthcare. Our fathers on the farms and mothers in the markets deserve a voice that will be heard in Abuja," he said 

Dr. Tijo outlined what he called a 4-point contract with the people to includes, "Collaboration with federal security agencies to end farmer-herder clashes and other forms of criminality. Attraction of federal projects for roads, boreholes, electricity, mini solar grids, and transformers for communities and farmlands.

"Establishment of federal skills centers, facilitation of SME loans, and support for agricultural value chains for youths and women. Upgrade of PHCs, provision of free anti-snake venom, facilitation of a snake research center, and support for maternal and child health, scholarships, and JAMB registration," he added.

He noted that Karim-Lamido LGA headquarter currently has no doctor, stressed that most snake bite cases in the constituency occur in Katago LGA of Gombe State, hence the need for an anti-venom and research center.

113 Taraba Primary Healthcare Centres Undergoing Infrastructure Upgrade — TSPHCDA

By Thomas Samuel 

The Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA) says 113 primary healthcare centres across the state are currently undergoing major infrastructure upgrades to improve access to quality healthcare services.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jalingo during a press briefing on the achievements, interventions and progress recorded by the agency in strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the state.

Dr. Nyigwa said the upgrade covers 113 of the 168 primary healthcare centres under the administration of the state government, with the projects designed to bring the facilities to Level Two standards.

He said the intervention includes the construction of perimeter fencing to improve security and prevent encroachment, as well as the restructuring of main clinic buildings to create a more conducive environment for patients and healthcare workers.

According to him, the facilities are also being equipped with five-kilovolt-ampere (5kVA) solar power systems to provide electricity and motorised boreholes to improve water supply.

“Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of diseases within healthcare facilities and the surrounding communities,” Nyigwa said.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that about 90 of the facilities had been completed, while work was ongoing at the remaining centres.

He expressed optimism that the projects would be fully completed within the coming days or weeks.

Nyigwa also disclosed that three primary healthcare centres in the state had been revitalised to Level Two standards with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The facilities, he said, are Didan Primary Health Care Centre in Kurmi Local Government Area, Tsukundi Primary Health Care Centre in Wukari Local Government Area and Lau Township Primary Health Care Centre.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for their support and leadership in strengthening primary healthcare delivery in the country.

“The three facilities are distributed across the three senatorial zones of the state to expand access to improved healthcare services,” he said.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed that the state government was collaborating with development partners to improve healthcare infrastructure across Taraba.

He said the Global Fund was currently upgrading 13 primary healthcare centres in the state, describing the intervention as evidence of the benefits of collaboration between government and development partners.

Nyigwa identified Gunduma Primary Health Care Centre among the facilities undergoing major renovation under the Global Fund intervention.

He assured residents that the agency remained committed to strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure and ensuring improved access to quality healthcare services across the state.

“Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure remains a priority for the agency, and we will continue to work with government and our development partners to improve healthcare delivery across Taraba,” he said.

Taraba Youths Celebrate Creation of 10 Army Division

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The youth groups in Taraba State on Wednesday staged a joint peaceful rally in Jalingo to express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the Nigerian Army 10 Division in the state.

Speaking at the rally in Jalingo, the Spokesperson of the Taraba People’s Movement, Comrade Umar Sani Bello, said the gathering was to deliver a simple and heartfelt thank you to the President, stated that the arrival of the 10 Division had filled residents with joy and a renewed sense of hope for peace.

Comrade Bello declared that the people of Taraba are ready to work with the new formation in any capacity required, noted that the movement was prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with the division to ensure lasting peace in the state.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for looking upon Taraba with compassion and providing the state with what he described as a mighty shield. 

"Our gratitude goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who looked upon Taraba with compassion and gave us this mighty shield. We also extend our profound thanks to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff, under whose watchful leadership this dream has taken concrete form. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and our hearts are full.

"As a small token of our immense appreciation, we have prepared letters of gratitude to the President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff. We shall humbly present these letters through the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Jalingo, whose steady presence here has been a source of strength to our people, and we trust him to deliver our message faithfully.

"Thank you all for standing with us today. This is our victory, and together we will build the peace our children deserve, he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Spokesperson of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Mohammad Sani, described the creation of the 10 Division as a historic footprint of a President Bola Tinubu who fulfils his promises.

Mr. Sani stated that the new division would serve as a fortress for Taraba and a shield for the entire North East region, and noted that for too long, communities in the area had cried out for a force that understood their terrain and challenges, and that the President had answered that call.

"This division, is a fortress for Taraba and a shield for the entire North East. For too long, our communities cried out for a force that understood our landscape, our fears, and our hopes, and with a single pen and a heart full of courage, Mr President answered that cry. Additionally, the increase in the salaries of our gallant soldiers is a gigantic morale booster, it tells every man and woman on the front line that their sacrifice is seen, their blood is honoured, and their families will not be forgotten. That is leadership with a human face.

"I must also commend and salute two remarkable men, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff, under whose watch these historic milestones are being achieved. Your extraordinary commitment to ending insecurity has given this nation renewed confidence, you have shown what is possible when strategy meets sincerity, and we are proud to walk this path with you," he applauded.

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Gajiram Military Base in Borno

 

By Samuel Thomas

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, when a large number of terrorists reportedly launched an assault aimed at overrunning the military position.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the troops responded with what he described as determined and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties.

According to him, several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets.

Captain Goni said a review of surveillance footage after the engagement further confirmed that several casualties were evacuated by the retreating terrorists.

He added that the recovered items and surveillance footage were undergoing further operational assessment.

The military spokesman disclosed that some troops sustained injuries during the attack after part of the base's defences was temporarily breached.

He said some combat equipment and vehicles were also damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire.

The injured personnel were subsequently airlifted and are currently stable while receiving medical treatment, he added.

Following the attack, the military said troops remained deployed in and around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining areas to maintain control of the area, monitor developments and prevent further attempts by the terrorists to re-engage.

The military urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

It also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies to support ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts.

The military provided 07084988859 as a contact number for members of the public to share relevant information.

Captain Goni said troops remained on high alert around Gajiram, while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of the terrorists' casualties and activities were ongoing.

The Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are restored in the North-East.