Taraba, Finland signs MoU on education, health

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State government and the city of Oulu in Finland have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster collaboration in the areas of Education, Health, and Mining Development. 

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State who announced this via his verified X handle formerly called Twitter on Tuesday said the three-year city-to-city strategic partnership was signed between the Taraba State government and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Oulu, Mr. Mika Penttila, and Director of Educational Services. 

According to him,  the agreement focused on fostering collaboration in the areas of Education, Health, and Mining Development, signifying a shared commitment to advancing these key sectors for mutual benefit.

"In the field of education, the collaboration aims to enhance academic exchanges, facilitate knowledge transfer, and expand vocational training within Taraba, upskilling teachers, and promoting collaborative research initiatives between educational institutions in Taraba State and Oulu. 

"This partnership also seeks to provide students and scholars with valuable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and contribute to the global knowledge pool.

"Within the health sector, the MOU underscores the commitment of both entities to work together in addressing healthcare challenges, sharing best practices, and promoting the exchange of medical expertise. The goal is to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance medical services, and ultimately contribute to the well-being of the communities in both regions.

"In the sphere of mining development, the agreement reflects a joint effort to leverage each other's expertise and resources for sustainable mining practices. The collaboration aims to promote responsible mining, environmental conservation, and the development of innovative technologies in the mining sector, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship," the governor wrote. 

The statement further noted that the Memorandum of Understanding signifies not only a diplomatic collaboration, but a shared vision for a future marked by progress, cooperation, and mutual development between Taraba State and the City of Oulu.

Our correspondent reports that on the team with the Governor are  Commissioner of Education Dr. Augustina Godwin, Commissioner of Justice, Yakubu Maikasuwa(SAN), Hon Josiah Yaro House Chairman, House Committee on Education.

Bye-election: PRP presidential candidate seeks deployment of party faithful as agents

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Chief Kola Abiola, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 presidential election urged the party to deploy party faithful as party agents during the fourth coming bye-elections.

Abiola, who advised on Sunday while addressing his party supporters in Jalingo stressed the need to deploy only the party core loyalists to serve as agents to various polling units to curtail bought-over syndrome.

He expressed optimism that PRP would win the Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing House of Representatives bye-election if the supporters would work harder and protect their votes.

He recalled that the party took second position in the 2023 election for the very seat and promised to support the party with funds and other logistics to enable them to win the election.

"As you can see, we have come from Abuja to support you to secure this victory in the coming election.

"We will support you with logistics to enable you to work efficiently and my advice is that the state executive council should deploy only party faithful to serve as agents in the various polling units, for this will make it difficult for other political parties to buy our agents for rigging election.

"I therefore request that you vote for our party's candidate for the Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing House of Representatives seat in the fourth coming bye-elections.

"This is the only opportunity for you to get your own who shall represent you adequately in the national assembly,'' he said.

Earlier, Mallam Abdullahi Maikasuwa, Chairman of the state chapter of the party commended the national leadership of the party for taking its time to visit the party in the state.

Maikasuwa, however, solicited financial support for the candidate of the party in the fourth coming bye-elections.

He also solicited financial assistance to enable the party to carry out its responsibilities in the state.

He eulogized the party supporters to ensure that the party was not shortchanged during the election.

The chairman promised to deploy all ward executives of the party to serve as agents during the bye-elections.

In his remark, Mallam Mansur Babanyaya, candidate of the party in the fourth coming bye-election thanked the national leadership of the party for their visit to the state.

Babanyaya said that their visit had brought a tremendous boost to the party, and promised the party supporters that he would carry everybody along if he won the election.

He also promised that unemployment, insecurity, and poverty issues would be his areas of priority.

Jalingo Diocese ordained three Catholic priests

  

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has over the weekend ordained three Catholic priests to work in the Lord's vineyard.

The newly ordained priests include Rev. Victor Tyogema, Rev. Stephen Kegdwem, and Rev. Benjamin Nomiri.

Speaking during the ordination ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Peace cathedral Mile-six Jalingo, Bishop Micheal Duigan of Clonfert, Republic of Ireland told the newly ordained priests to know that they were called to greater responsibility of winning souls for God.

Michael said they must adopt a prayer life to be successful as priests of the Catholic church.

He admonished them to adhere to closeness to God, closeness to the Bishop, closeness to the other Priests, and closeness to their members.

He explained that the only way to be close to God is through prayer without seizing.

"You must be a prayerful person and also encourage others to always pray because prayer is very key to the life of a priest and a Christian.

"You must accept responsibility and post done by the Bishop in good faith for smooth administration of the church.

"You must relate with members of the church freely because tribal sentiment can never be allowed to exist in the Catholic church". He said.

Bishop Duigan urged them to abide by the principles he has mentioned if they want to succeed as priests of the Catholic church.

He further congratulated the ordained priests and said that they would be connected to God if they did what was expected of them.

Responding on behalf of the ordained priests, Rev. Victor Tyogema expressed gratitude to God for calling them to serve in his vineyard and to their families and friends for their moral and financial support.

He, therefore, said that the ordination was a dream come true for them and promised to abide by the rules and regulations governing the Catholic church.

Residents of Jalingo Still Battling Devastation After Torrential Rains

 

By Ahmed Usman Jalingo

One year after torrential rains unleashed havoc on Jalingo, Taraba State capital, residents grapple with the lingering consequences amidst cries for government support.

The once-bustling city bears the scars of last year's floods. Homes remain submerged, infrastructure broken, and countless lives thrown into disarray. Residents like Polycarp Peter Wambai, whose voices echo the collective lament, paint a picture of resilience amidst despair.

Mayo Gwoi, Jalingo Main Market, Sabon Gari, Nukkai, Magami, Gulum Mayo Dasa, and other suburbs remain etched with the memory of floodwaters that swept away cherished belongings and displaced families. The scale of the disaster continues to pose immense challenges, with many struggling to rebuild their lives.

Wambai's stark statement, "We are drowning not only in water but in the absence of help from the government," lays bare the frustration felt by many. Despite their mounting hardships, tangible aid and relief efforts from the authorities have been scarce.

The torrential rain, a cruel twist of fate, left many residents stranded without proper shelter. Roofs leak, homes remain uninhabitable, and necessities are desperately needed. Wambai's plea for government intervention reflects the desperate cry for essential resources to alleviate the suffering.

While immediate relief is crucial, the path to recovery demands more than just handouts. Infrastructure needs rebuilding, livelihoods require revitalization and long-term solutions must be sought to prevent further tragedies.

As the days turn into months, the echoes of pleas for support grow louder. Jalingo's residents, battling the scars of a natural disaster compounded by perceived neglect, deserve a swift and effective response. The onus lies on the authorities to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take concrete steps to rebuild not just infrastructure, but also the lives of those affected.

Gov. Agbu Kefas grants clemency to 31 inmates in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas on Monday granted clemency to 31 deserving inmates in the spirit of the new year.

Agbu announced this during his New Year broadcast in Jalingo.

According to him, the decision reflects his commitment to justice, compassion, and the belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation.

"In the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.

"This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion, and the belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation.

"Let me assure you that our dedication to the unity and development of Taraba remains unwavering.

"Every citizen across the 168 wards is an integral part of our collective journey towards  prosperity." He said.

Agbu assured that he would redouble his efforts to make Taraba State a haven for all.

He stressed the need for fostering unity, embracing progress, and hard work for the betterment of the State.