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.

Taraba Begins Planning for 2027 Health Sector

By Thomas Samuel

Taraba State is already looking ahead to 2027, as the Ministry of Health brings government agencies and development partners together to determine what should take priority in the state’s health sector next year.

A three-day workshop to review and finalise the state’s 2027 Annual Operational Plan is currently holding at Alheri Royal Hotel in Yola.

The exercise brings together officials of the Ministry of Health, heads of health agencies, local government health authorities, development partners and representatives of non-governmental organisations.

For the state, the planning process is not only about preparing another annual budget. It is also an opportunity to look at what has been achieved, identify gaps and decide where limited resources should be concentrated.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, said the workshop would help stakeholders review achievements and agree on practical priorities for the coming year.

He identified strengthening primary healthcare, improving maternal, newborn and child health, immunisation, nutrition, malaria control, disease surveillance and emergency response as some of the key areas requiring attention.

Health workforce development, availability of essential medicines, health infrastructure and digital health systems are also part of the priorities being considered for 2027.

Dr. Buma said the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas remained committed to strengthening the health system and ensuring that residents have access to quality, affordable and equitable healthcare services.

Moving from the grassroots

One of the major features of this year’s planning process is the adoption of a bottom-to-top approach.

The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, said the process would begin from health facilities and wards, move through the local governments and eventually reach the state level.

According to him, the approach is intended to ensure that the needs identified at the grassroots are reflected in the state’s health plans and budget.

Nyigwa said the workshop is also aimed at harmonising the budgets and activities of government agencies and development partners.

This, he explained, would help prevent duplication and ensure that scarce resources are directed towards areas with the greatest needs.

He said the 2027 planning exercise is different from previous ones because local government officials and development partners are participating more actively in the process.

The idea is simple: rather than having different organisations implement similar interventions in the same places, stakeholders can identify existing gaps and direct resources where they are most needed.

 Focus on results

The workshop is also providing an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the World Bank-funded Human Capital Development Project, known as HOPE.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Reuben Wunuji, said the initiative is designed to strengthen human capital through investments in health, education, skills acquisition and social protection.

Wunuji explained that HOPE has different operations, including HOPE-Gov, which provides the governance structure, and HOPE-PSC, which focuses on strengthening systems that contribute to human capital development.

He said the initiative is moving away from simply funding activities towards a system that rewards measurable results.

Development partners, including UNICEF and other non-governmental organisations, are also participating in the workshop.

They pledged continued support for efforts to improve healthcare delivery across Taraba State.

The outcome of the three-day exercise is expected to shape the state’s health priorities and resource allocation as Taraba prepares for the 2027 fiscal year.

Prof Nyameh reveal plans to build tomato processing plants across Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

Accord Gubernatorial Candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has unveiled plans to transform tomato production into jobs, industries and revenue for the state.

Prof. Nyameh made the declaration Sunday while interacting with journalists in Jalingo, said he was struck by the volume of tomatoes being sold without value addition in Zing market, headquarter of Zing Local government area of the State.

He explained that Taraba state is blessed with fertile land capable of producing tomatoes on a commercial scale, particularly in Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

"Last week when I was in Zing, I saw tomatoes everywhere in the market. I just shook my head because this is money, job opportunities, and revenue on a large scale.

"From Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna, our farmers have enormous opportunities to produce tomatoes that can feed our people, supply industries and create wealth," he said.

Prof. Nyameh questioned why the state should continue to sell raw tomatoes while losing the real value and jobs to other states. He said under his administration, government would move beyond farming to build a full tomato value chain.

He outlined his plan to support large-scale production and smallholder farmers with improved seedlings, irrigation, extension services and access to markets. 

The plan also includes establishing tomato processing and packaging plants, paste and puree production, drying and preservation facilities, cold storage and aggregation centres, as well as logistics and packaging businesses.

He said the initiative would create opportunities for more farmers, processors, traders, transporters, entrepreneurs, and particularly youth and women-owned agribusinesses.

"Instead of allowing our tomatoes to perish after harvest, we will create systems that preserve, process and add value to what our farmers produce.

"Tomatoes are not just food. With the right leadership, tomatoes can become an industry. Grow it in Taraba. Process it in Taraba. Package it in Taraba. Sell it from Taraba. Create jobs for Tarabans. Generate revenue for Taraba," Prof. Nyameh declared.

The gubernatorial hopeful said the proposal is part of his "Taraba Therapy Agenda" an economic plan to turn God-given resources into industries and sustainable government revenue, added that government must create the environment for production, business growth and shared prosperity.

Stray Animals: Taraba Govt Threatens Arrest, Prosecution of Owners

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

Taraba state government through the Environmental and Sanitation Agency, on Saturday said it will arrest and prosecution livestock owners who allow their animals to freely move within the metropolis of the state.

Hon. Iliya Kefas, chairman of the Agency disclosed the state government decision while monitoring the monthly sanitation exercise in Jalingo.

Hon. Kefas lamented what he described as sanitation and traffic rules violation caused by straying animals within the state metropolis, and urged owners to henceforth restrict their movement to avoid being penalise.

According to the chairman, straying animals were creating environmental disorder and traffic obstruction, capable of attracting an unhygienic state capital and other related issues that could cause residents lives.

He urged owners to take caution, as the tax force will be decisive on anyone found violating environmental rules.

"The arrest and prosecution of livestock owners who allow their animals to freely move within the state metropolis will soon commence. We urged owners of those animals to immediately take action by restricting their movement to avoid being penalise". Hon. Iliya Kefas warned.

The agency chairman thanked governor Agbu Kefas over his recent commendation of excellence performance on the agency.

Hon. Iliya assured that state monthly sanitation exercise has come to stay, as the agency's desire is to ensure a hygienic and cleaner Taraba metropolis.

The chairman also expressed that the sanitation exercise were not limited to sweeping and evacuation of refuge, as critical component of the programme were being enforcement to achieve the desired target.

He urged residents to support the agency's effort to achieve governor Agbu Kefas' strive for cleaner Taraba.

Hon. Iliya called on residents to imbibe  the culture of cleanliness beyond  designated sanitation hours, as collective daily sanitation habit will improve healthy environment for residents.

"This  deliberate exercise is to ensure that governor Agbu Kefas' desire for cleaner Taraba is achieved. I wish to inform residents that the monthly sanitation exercise has come to stay, and they must avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuge. Traders must keep their business areas clean, and property owners must also maintain drainages  while government provide equipment for waste evacuation and public enlightenment across the 16 local government areas of the state". The agency chairman stated. 

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.