Meet Taraba's first female tiler

By Ahmed Usman Jalingo

Her role is crucial in the construction industry. Her work includes cutting and installing tiles on floors, walls, and other surfaces and interlocking. She is also responsible for ensuring that the tiles are cut and installed to precise specifications and that they meet quality standards. like any other tiller, especially her male counterparts, she uses a variety of tools and equipment, such as tile cutters, trowels, plums, range, hammers, chisels, and adhesives to perform her job. 

Her name is Amabel Eugene from Gembu, Sardauna local government area of Taraba State. A 29-year-old, Amabel is a 400-level student of the History and Diplomatic Studies department of Taraba State University, TSU Jalingo. "Tiling was not actually in my choices of career Growing up, I had three things in mind. I wanted to either be a journalist, a military personnel, or a civil engineer. Those were the things I've always aspired to become when I grew up." Said Amabel

Tiling wasn't her first attempt in her effort to become self-reliant, she tried to be a tailor. "I spent over two years learning tailoring but I didn't have much interest in it. I was so reluctant about it. But this one (tiling) captured my mind. So I went straight into it and I do it with passion."

HOW IT STARTED

Coming how I got into tiling work, in early 2016 I was hawking. I finished secondary school in 2012 and I wasn't able to further my studies due to some challenges. So I went into petty trading and hawking to assist my mother. 

I was selling moi moi in Gembu with a friend of mine whom we hawked together, one faithful day when I got to a construction site. The site belonged to the late Maman Taraba, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan (may her soul rest in peace). They were on the tiling level and that was my first time seeing the process of tiling. The workers were not Nigerians. They were Togolese. 

I stood there watching at the work not minding what I was selling. I concentrated on what they were doing. I told their boss that I wanted to learn the work. He asked me: "Are you serious?" Then I answered him that I was very serious.  He said if that's the case I should come and learn. I then asked him, when I should start. He jokingly said "Tomorrow", not knowing how serious I was.

When I went back home, I told my mother that I was not selling moi moi the next because I had something to do. The following morning as early as 7:30 am, I was already at the site fully ready to commence apprenticeship. When my boss saw me, he was surprised and asked me again "Are you serious?" I answered "Yes". That was the beginning. He gave me money to buy rubber shoes. I started work that day and he fully supported me.

After three days of consistent training, my boss decided to train me without accepting money. Unfortunately, after I stayed with them for like three months, they finished working in Gembu and were to go back to Abuja. Within these three months, I was able to lay a tile on the wall. That's to tell you how determined I was.

After they finished working in Gembu, I asked myself what would be my fate. Surprisingly, my boss went to see my mother and discussed it with her. He told her that if she can trust him enough, she can allow me to follow him to Abuja to continue with the training. 

That was the greatest risk I had taken in my life. I left Gembu for Abuja with a stranger who is not even a Nigerian. He is from Togo. I have never been to Abuja before. I followed them to Abuja and the rest is history.

WORKING IN A PROFESSION DOMINATED BY MEN

It is the best feeling so far. They will always pamper you; always take care of you, and help you to carry heavy objects and so, it's the best feeling but I always train myself to work in their absence.

OPPORTUNITIES

Being in this tiling business allowed me to travel to many places, meet new people, and learn new things. If not for this tiling job, I don't think I would've been to Abuja sooner than I did. My boss is working with a very big construction company in Abuja called BNL They handle very big contracts. 

I was so lucky to meet many people like the likes of the late Maman Taraba, and Senator Aisha, (may her soul rest in peace) It was because of this job that I met her personality. I met with great and influential people that on a normal day, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet them.

JOB AND NORMAL LIFE

When it comes to work, I'm a different person from who I am outside work. I take my work very seriously more than anything in this life. I can spend two weeks working and sleeping at the side without going outside. So when it comes to work, I don't care about any other things not to talk about my look. I can be working for a month without making my hair and I don't care about that. 

So anything that has to come between me and my work is a no-go area. My work is always first and it's a priority but out of work, I can be beautiful and social too.

TRAINING OTHERS

Currently, I have two people that I'm training, one of them is a lady but I have other requests. I have three requests that are yet to be accepted. All of them are ladies. I have no strength to train up to five people at the same time. Because if you want to train someone, you have to take care of that person. You have to take care of them. For instance, their transportation to work, and their feeding at work will all be on you. As a woman, I know I have to take care of them. 

I just have to accept only two apprentices as of now but I promised that as soon as I finish my studies, I will carry as many as possible. Because I so much wish to pass unto others that which is in me. Given the fact that I learned from the best I always say my boss is the best. I want to pass it on to some people as much as I can."

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

I trained myself on how to relate with my clients. Sometimes if you are not patient enough, you will be provoked by some clients. But in as much as what you are looking for is in their pockets, you have to keep calm. You can always find a way of following them, get what you want, give them what they want and everyone goes in peace.

I always have ways of dealing with my clients in such a way that at the end of the day, no one gets angry. I always do my best to give you what you want. As a client, I will tell you, if you want your work to be done perfectly well, give me time. I always have a way of talking to them. I have to plead with them and make them understand that in a very good manner. 

I think so far so good. I'm not having issues with my clients. I always create a good rapport with them. I make them trust me.

TRAINING LADIES

As I mentioned before, I'm currently training two people, one of them is a lady. The three outstanding requests are all ladies and they are willing to learn. By the time I finish my studies, I will train ladies as much as I can. I always encourage them.

I know it's not easy but I always encourage them because I know that it pays, I know what you stand to benefit as a lady doing a job that is meant for men. It must not necessarily be tiling. It could be anything, painting, POP, whatever you so desire. Without the desire of the heart and passion, it can be very difficult for you to achieve or succeed.

CHALLENGES

There are challenges.

Combining school and work is so challenging because I don't have enough time to work and affording some of the machinery tools is difficult and a great challenge. Life is full of challenges. They will always be there but the most important thing is what have you put in place to overcome these challenges. 

To the ladies, I must tell you that life is not smooth. Even what we do, will not always be smooth. As I'm talking to you, this particular job I'm doing is not easy What is keeping us is the determination and passion for us to do something legitimate, something real, something that is not against the will of God and not against our own very body. The money you earn through hard work as a lady is always better than the one given to you by a man.

Allow the Maihanci family to produce Maihanci's successor.

By Ahmed Usman Jalingo

As the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC fixed 3rd February 2024 for re-runs and by-elections into National and State Assemblies, a member of the Maihanci Family, Barr. Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanci has urged Taraba State Governor Dr, Agbu Kefas and the People's Democratic Party in the state to allow the Maihanci family to produce a successor of the late Hon. Isma'ila Yusha'u Maihanci to represent Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency

Maihanci died in Abuja, the nation's capital after a brief illness on Saturday 22nd April, 2023, days after he was elected as a member of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

In an interview with journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, Barr. Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanci explained that the Maihanci family has all it takes to produce the next member of the House of Reps to represent the good people of Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.

He further explained that the late Maihanci was a party loyalist and strong supporter who exosted his energy and resources in building and expanding PDP in Taraba State hence the need for the party to pay him back by selecting a member of his family to succeed him.

"Everyone knows that late Maihanci is a PDP stalwart in Taraba, he used his energy, resources, and influence to build and expand the party despite all odds. He never left the party to cross carpet to another party. It will be an honor to him by the party to choose among his kinsmen to succeed him

"Maihanci family is a very large family with professionals in almost all sectors of life. We have the likes of Hon. Isma'ila Yusha'u Maihanci who are very qualified if given the chance to represent the good people of Jalingo/Yorro/Zing at the green chamber of the National Assembly.

"We have those who can do what Maihanci was doing not only to the party but to the people. We have young, energetic, pragmatic, vibrant, and very promising politicians in our family who can replicate his style of leadership." Said Maihanci

According to Barr. Lukman Maihanci, the PDP had done it in the past when it allowed Hon. Daniel Tsokwa from Takum One Constituency to replace his brother late Hon. Sam Tsokwa, former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly.

"When former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly Right Hon. Haruna Tsokwa died, his brother Hon. Daniel Tsokwa was nominated by PDP and he was elected to represent Takum One Constituency in the state Assembly.

"Also PDP did the same in Kurmi when Hon. Ishiyaku Audu died as a member representing Kurmi Constituency, his son, Hon. Charles Ishiyaku Audu was nominated by the party and he was elected to replace his father in the House.

"Even in Ardo Kola, LGA when Hon. Emma Dame died, his successor was selected from his kinsmen, that was Hon. Dominic Bukuni." He added

Currently, over five contenders are seeking to replace the late Hon. Isma'ila Yusha'u Maihanci in the party. Among them are Alhaji Umaru Abdullahi Baba and Hon. Jabir Lukman Maihanci, both of Maihanci ancestry. Other aspirants are; Alhaji Bello Yero, Hon. Hassan Bappa, Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Imam, and Hon. Ishaya Kassa.

However, some sources within the PDP indicate that the party may select Maihanci's successor from two powerful persons allegedly close allies of the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas. They are Hon. Sale Sa'ad, former Commissioner for Urban Development and currently Chairman of the Taraba State Palliative Distribution Committee, and Dr. Garba Dantsoho, former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Minister of Transportation.

Over 30 shops have been razed down by fire in Taraba.

  

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

No fewer than 30 provision shops at the roadblock area of Jalingo the Taraba state capital have been razed down by fire on Saturday morning.

Our Correspondent reports that the actual cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, as some shop owners blamed cooking Gas retailers within the premises, while some blamed the iron welder.

It was also gathered that angry youths chased out fire service personnel who arrived at the scene about 30 minutes after the distress call.

In an effort to protect the two fuel stations and other businesses around the area, the Nigeria police were seen shooting randomly in the air to scare irate youths from vandalizing shops. 

As of the time of filing this report normalcy has since returned to the area.

Education and health takes lion share as Gov Agbu presents 2024 budget

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Friday presented a budget estimate of 311, 388, 525, 661.96bn for the 2024 fiscal year to the Taraba State House of Assembly which education lead with a total of 43,208,278,849.29. and health N33,054,686,848.04 billion.

Tagged, 'The Budget of Moving Forward' was presented at the chamber of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Assembly complex Jalingo.

The proposed budget comprises 111,679,595,358.59 billion recurrent expenditure which is 35.9 percent of the total budget, and 199,708,930,303.37 billion for capital expenditure, which is 64.1 percent of the budget.

Agbu noted that the 2024 budget Estimates were aimed at fostering sustainable growth, social development, Agriculture and rural development, infrastructure development, Governance, and public financial management.

Speaking on the performance of the 2023 budget, Agbu said 13.9 percent of the total receipt went for recurrent expenditure and 12.3 percent went for capital expenditure. The total percentage performance of the Budget therefore stood at 26.2 per cent as against the expected 75 per cent for the period under review.

According to the Governor, "Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. To this end, a substantial portion of the 2024 budget is dedicated to the education sector. We aim to enhance infrastructure in schools, improve teacher training, and invest in educational technology to ensure our youth receive the best possible education. 

"The well-being of our citizens is of paramount importance. The budget includes significant allocations to strengthen our healthcare system, improve facilities, and enhance the welfare of healthcare professionals. We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services for all Tarabans". He said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, assured the governor that the 2024 appropriation bill consideration would commence in earnest and given necessary attention by the legislators.

Ex Army Pikin Association, elect pioneer officials in Taraba.

 

By Joachim Dangana

The Ex-Army Barrack Pikin Association Jalingo branch has elected pioneer officials to manage the affairs of the Association.

The elected Chairman is Hero Bitrus, Vice Chairman Nelson Banker, Secretary General Esther Egga, Assistant Secretary General Joachim Dangana, and Treasurer Maria Zuppai.

Others are Financial Secretary Emmanuel Friday , Welfare Officer Gloria Malami, PRO one Godwin Peter, PRO 2 Rhoda Urbanus, and Commercial Director Nehemiah John.

The position of Social Director went to Husseini Zuppai, Provost Allen Tafida, Training Coordinator Julnan Longbap, and Auditor Ezekiel Bulus.

Declaring the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee Andy Bah Kannawa said the contestants were elected unopposed after securing thirty-six votes each cast by members of the Association.

Andy Kannawa, charged the new executives to take the Association to an enviable height in view of the caliber of persons that constituted the committee.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Ex Army Barrack Pikin Association Hero Bitrus pledged to carry everyone along in his administration.

Hero Bitrus opined that the Ex-Army Barrack Pikin Association is a registered body that now has pioneer executives.

The Chairman thanked the Visioner and the electoral Committee for their relentless efforts towards ensuring that the election was a huge success.

NYSC Carnival: Avenue for showcasing Nigeria's cultural heritage

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The periodic cultural carnival organized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been described as an avenue to showcase Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and promote national integration.

This assertion was made by the Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Anthony Nzoka during the 2023 batch 'C' steam ii corps members displayed cultures of ten out of over 200 ethnic nationalities in the country at the Sibre permanent orientation camp in Ardo-kola local government area this Saturday.

He said that some aspects of the culture such as music, traditional food, a system of marriage as well as art could be carefully invested and turned into wealth.

He explained that through such means, Nigerian youths could be gainfully employed.

"It is important to note that Nigeria is made out of diverse ethnicities, divers people but we are united to poise a new Nigeria. therefore, NYSC is one of the famous agencies of unification in Nigeria for promoting national unity and integration, every nation is built by its citizens, so no matter what divides us let us always celebrate what unit us.

"This opportunity is a wake-up call for every Nigerian to drop what divides or tendencies he has in mind, drop tribal privileges, drop political privileges and focus on building a better Nigeria". He said

Nzoka urged youth organizations in various communities in the State, to look at the benefits of the Nigerian culture, harvest them, and use them to develop self and the society at large.

Correspondent reports that the results for the cultural Carnival competition are as follows, the first position went to Platoon 8, the second to platoon 7 while the third position was merited by platoon 3 respectively.

Bandawa Students Receives Scholarship.

 

By Joachim Dangana

The Board of Trustee, BOT Bandawa Education Endowment Foundation BEEFOUNDATION has presented a scholarship to twenty-one registered members of the National Association of Bandawa Students of the Taraba State University Jalingo.

This is in line with the vision of the Association to complement Government efforts to move education forward and cushion the sufferings of students of the Bandawa extraction studying at Taraba State University, Jalingo.

Speaking during the presentation, Chairman of  BEEFOUNDATION Yakubu Idris said mechanisms are in place to capture more students studying in various institutions in the Country.

He challenged the students to one day pick up the good initiative of the BOT members to assist the younger ones who are coming up.

Yakubu Idris thanked members of the foundation for their selfless service to the Bandawa Community and prayed to God to reward them bountifully.

The elated students who could not hide their feelings during the ceremony, thanked the foundation for the great support and promised to reciprocate the gesture.

It could be recalled that within the year BEEFOUNDATION presented books and other teaching aids to assist pupils and students of the Bandawa Primary and Secondary Schools.

The foundation also paid the school fees of a final-year student studying at the Taraba State University.

Members of the Committee are

Chairman Yakubu Idris, Secretary Chilean Jonathan, Treasurer Macsolo Winnew, BOT Members Nixon Bature, Mathias Bingari, Stephen Ezekiel, Abdullazeez Chulla, Marvin Mathias, Ntayi Amfani and Director Information Joachim Dangana.