Taraba organize labour Joins nationwide protest

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its nationwide protests, which were held in different states of the federation earlier on Tuesday.

The Labour, in a communiqué at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, said the objectives of the protest were achieved on the first day of the demonstration.

Our correspondent reports that the Taraba State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has on Tuesday joined colleagues all over the Country to protest against hardship, hunger, dwindling economy, and high cost of living faced by its citizens.

Addressing Comrades at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Jalingo, the  State capital, the Chairman of NLC in the State Comrade Peter Jediel said the Protest was occasioned with respect to the hardship experienced presently by Nigerians which according to him was as a result of the subsidy removal by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led  Federal Government.

Jediel, who said the Exercise would last for two days beginning from the 27th and 28th February described it as a peaceful one explaining that Taraba people are peace lovers.

Comrade Jediel later, read a Communique issued at the End of the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of NLC held on Friday, 16th Day of February 2024 assigned by the Union's National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and the Acting General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello.

The Communique stressed the announcement of Tinubu on 29th May, 2023 while delivering his inaugural speech as the President of the Country where he removed the fuel subsidy.

He pointed out that following the announcement, the price of the product escalated across the country, while the citizens were thrown into increasing hardship, and hunger, among others.

"In view of the above stated, series of meetings were held between NLC, TUC and the Federal Government where Agreements were signed to ameliorate the sufferings and hardship on innocent Nigerians", 

"To this end, NEC unanimously noted its disappointment and condemned the actions of the Federal Government in refusing to implement the Agreements reached",

"The two-day protest declared by NLC on 27th and 28th February 2024 was to demonstrate outrage on the mounting hardship and insecurity around the Nation", 

"If demands are not met after the Nationwide protests, a Seven Day Notice that will expire on the 2nd day of March 2024 will be issued to the Federal Government after which, an indefinite nationwide strike will ensue", 

"Nigerian Workers and people are not interested in empty talk now but action so, calls on all affiliates, State Councils, and Civil Society Allies to start mobilizing across the Nation for effective action as the deadline approaches". He said.

Comrade Jediel however, enjoined the Residents of the Taraba State Northeast Nigeria to prepare for an indefinite strike that would last for a long period if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands.

Taraba Workers, who were asked to go back to their various Offices after the day's protest was seen by our Correspondent carrying placards that read, "Fix Local Refinery, End Subsidy", "Stop the Hunger", "Stop Hunger, lower Food prices", "Stop fooling the masses", among others.

The State of Primary Healthcare Centers in Taraba State, Nigeria

 

By Thomas Samuel

Primary healthcare centers serve as the backbone of essential healthcare services for the masses in Nigeria. Nowhere is this more evident than in Taraba State, a region marked by its diverse population spread across 16 local government areas, many of which encompass rural communities facing significant healthcare delivery challenges.

In recent years, these primary healthcare centers have grappled with a myriad of issues, ranging from poor infrastructure and inadequate staffing to critical shortages of essential drugs and funds. A recent investigation shed light on the dire situation in many local government areas, where primary healthcare centers are failing to meet expectations due to dilapidated structures, lack of resources, and staffing shortages.

Take, for instance, local government areas such as Ardo-Kola, Bali, Donga, and Yorro, where primary healthcare centers struggle to provide comprehensive healthcare services due to the absence of qualified doctors, inadequate pharmacy facilities, and the failure of the state government to renovate and equip these centers with essential medical facilities.

The repercussions of these challenges are dire, with the absence of doctors and essential medical supplies leading to alarming consequences, including a high child mortality rate in Taraba State, which stood at 70 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018. This statistic underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the healthcare challenges faced by communities across the state.

While efforts by the state government, such as deploying community health extension workers and providing practical training for students, have been made, they have fallen short of addressing the root causes of the healthcare crisis. Despite these efforts, primary healthcare centers continue to struggle, resulting in preventable deaths and exacerbating the plight of vulnerable communities.

The challenges facing primary healthcare centers in Taraba State extend beyond the few local government areas mentioned earlier, affecting all 16 local government areas in the state. Issues such as lack of electricity, absence of clean water sources, and critical shortages of functional healthcare facilities further compound the situation, identifying Taraba among states facing a critical shortage of well-equipped healthcare facilities.

Though successive administrations have made efforts to improve the quality of primary healthcare services, sustaining these interventions has proven challenging. For example, while Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku's administration made strides in equipping primary healthcare centers, these efforts waned after the initial intervention period.

The present administration under Governor Kefas Agbu has shown commitment to revitalizing healthcare centers, but significant efforts are required for effective implementation. Adequate funding, manpower, and security are paramount to safeguarding lives and ensuring the effective operation of primary healthcare centers. However, Taraba State grapples with insecurity, with reports of attacks on healthcare centers and workers impeding service delivery.

To address these challenges and improve healthcare service delivery in Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole, there must be a concerted effort to prioritize funding and implement necessary interventions. This includes ensuring adequate manpower, infrastructure, and security measures to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel. Only through sustained investment and commitment can the goal of providing quality healthcare services to all citizens be achieved.

In conclusion, stakeholders at all levels must prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure, allocate adequate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to improve access to quality healthcare services in Taraba State. It is imperative for the health and well-being of the populace and the advancement of the state and nation.

Thomas Samuel is an Editor at the Taraba State Broadcasting Service and a Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University UK

 

African Development Bank to establish Agro Processing zones to boost food security in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State government in partnership with the African Development Bank on Tuesday said it has entered into a partnership to establish a State Agro-Processing zone (SAPZ) in the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan announced this during the visit of the team on an advocacy visit to the Chief of Mambilla, Alhaji Shehu Baju and Sardauna Local Government and The Aku Uka, HRM, Ishaku Adda Ali in Wukari.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at boosting the State's economy, upscaling development, and creating employment opportunities for over 2000 unemployed youths.

This is even as he said the partnership to establish Agro-processing zones (SAPZ) in three senatorial zones in the State would be to the benefit of farmers and the agricultural sector at large, saying the state's arable land was suitable for various agricultural ventures.

"This partnership hopes to provide jobs for over 2000 youths and women in the State through Agro-processing zones.

"The State Agro Processing Zones program is designed to increase households income, foster job creation in rural agricultural communities, especially for youths and women, and to enhance food security, and nutrition in Nigeria," he said.

Also speaking, the team leader of the African Development Bank AFDB, and Agricultural consortium group, Alhaji Shuaibu Bello the consortium team was made up of reputable companies from China, India, and South Africa and others who are going to cultivate 1,000 hectares of land from Wukari, Karim Lamido, Lau and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

Bello noted that the partnership would focus on fostering collaboration in the area of agricultural production such as sugar processing companies, milk processing companies, rice, yam, cocoa, and maize signifying a shared commitment to advancing these key sectors for the good of Taraba and Nigeria at large.

NYSC: Gov Agbu tasks Corps members on diligence, dedication

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has on Tuesday called on Corps members posted to serve in the State to always be diligent and dedicated to the course of duty in serving their father's land.

Governor Agbu gave the charge during the opening ceremony of Batch 'A' stream 1 orientation course at the permanent orientation camp, Sibere in Ardo-kola local government area of the State.

Represented by the State commissioner of Youths and sports, Mr Joshua Joseph, Dr. Agbu noted that his administration is committed to the welfare of the corps members in the State.

"As you formally begin the orientation course today, I enjoin you to pay rapt attention to all scheduled training activities, instructions, and lectures. It may interest you to know that these self-enriching packages of the scheme were deliberately developed to help prepare you for the numerous tasks ahead.

"You are therefore expected to open your mind during this orientation course. Embrace each other's behavioral tendencies and cultural differences. 

I equally implore you to make friends and mix with corps members from other Geo- geopolitical zones and backgrounds. This move will readily help to enhance National unity, Integration, and cohesion.

"My administration is committed to the development of vital sectors of the State's economy such as; Education, Agriculture, Sports, Tourism, Health Care Services, infrastructure, and the general well-being of all inhabitants of the state. As agents of change, I enjoin you to utilize this opportunity to study any of the sectors where you fit in and contribute to its improvement.

"I wish to reassure the operators of the scheme, Corps Employers, and other stakeholders that we will always support and assist the NYSC to fulfill its objectives and mandate for the good people of our dear State.

"I commend the Management and entire Staff of the NYSC and members of the Collaborating Agencies for flagging off this orientation exercise on a sound note. I urge them to work as a team to achieve the desired result at the end of the exercise." He said.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator, of the National Youth Service Corps, Mr Anthony Nzuka appreciated the commitment of the Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas toward the welfare of corps members in the state.

He mentioned the provision of funds to acquire more mattresses for corps members in camp and the construction of a modern parade ground which he described as one of the best in the country as commendable.

Anthony Nzuka who described the orientation course as the gateway into the NYSC scheme urged the corps member to key into the activities lined up for the orientation exercise.

Correspondent reports that 1,475 corps members took an oath administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Filibus Agya, represented by Justice Nuhu Adi.

From Taraba to Oxford: A Journalist's Fight for Change

 

 

My name is Samuel Thomas, and I am a journalist currently serving as an editor and producer at the Taraba State Broadcasting Service, TSBS Jalingo. With over five years of experience, my work primarily revolves around environmental and health-related topics. In my capacity as an editor, I have been extensively involved in writing and collaborating with reporters to develop stories focusing on health issues. Additionally, I produce a weekly programme that specifically addresses the impact of climate change and explores potential strategies for mitigation. Over the years, I have been passionate about journalism fellowships and have applied for a handful of them until last year, when I saw an advertisement from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. I went through the guidelines and discovered I was legible. At first, I was skeptical about it because it was a global thing, and I was not sure my contribution to the small world would count. But I later made up my mind to apply, and today is history.

Tell us more about the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

The Reuters Institute has been in existence for over four decades and is, in fact, one of the most-rated journalism institutes across the world. The institute is not a profit-making organization, so the funding to run the institute comes mostly from NGOs, especially the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Though independent, Reuters is affiliated with the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford, UK. The goal of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is to explore the future of journalism worldwide through debate, engagement, and research. It is a globally focused research centre at the University of Oxford, dedicated to tracking the world's media, its trends, developments, and forecasts. The institute aims to connect rigorous academic research with journalistic practice, linking rigorous analysis with practical experience. It works to bridge daily journalism and academic study by regularly holding seminars and events and maintaining an extensive publication program.

What are you currently working on at the institute?

 My project here is on the media coverage of the farmer-herder crisis in northeast Nigeria. What drove me to that area was. Firstly, I was a victim of the farmer-herder crisis many times while growing up as a child, and it even lasted into adulthood. I saw the impact, and I can say that it is not something that one would wish to see happen again. Secondly, as a journalist, I have covered countless crisis-related stories in Taraba State, and lastly, I realised that despite its persistence, not much has been achieved in addressing it. I hope to carry out my research on the causes and possible solutions that, if implemented, would reduce the constant clashes to the barest minimum.

What do you hope to achieve with your project?

 The project seeks to look at the human impact of the farmer-herder crisis because, most times, the victims are left alone to pick up the pieces of their lives on their own. I hope the project will draw the attention of policymakers to taking proactive measures to reduce the impact of the crisis. It will also investigate how the media reports such crises and, lastly, bring to the public the devastating impact of the crisis.

You are currently at Reuters; how can you describe your experience?

Reuters is an amazing place to be. It is an institute that houses people of different backgrounds who are professionals and passionate about making positive change. The programme is unique in such a way that fellows learn from each other through the sharing of personal stories and how their newsrooms operate. Within my four weeks of stay, I have learned so much about Japan, China, Poland, Argentina, and Burkina Faso, not even the host country, the United Kingdom. With this diverse knowledge, I have first-hand information about what separates us and what unites us as humans.

 What can you say about the impact of the Reuters Institute on journalists globally?

 Let me start by saying that human resources are the greatest investment of all time. The institute understood this, which is why it has continued to invest in training journalists to do their jobs better. I can also say that Reuters has been and is still a voice in the global space. Their cutting-edge research on the future of journalists and constant calls for press freedom have strategically placed them as the backbone of journalists.

 What is the call to journalists in Nigeria?

My message to journalists in Nigeria is that it is high time we begin to think about how we can be multidimensional in our professional lives. The fast growth in technology and social media are threats, so to survive this, we need to leverage the available technology to be at the top.

Kuteb Youth Forum: We stand with the decision of the Kuteb Traditional Committee

 

KUTEB YOUTHS FORUM POSITION AFTER MEETING WITH GOVERNOR DR. AGBU KEFAS ON THE LINGERING ISSUE OF UKWE TAKUM.

Reference to the meeting held on 3rd February 2024 between Your Excellency and the Kuteb Youths Forum. After a thorough listening to Your Excellency, the forum arrived at the following resolutions:

(1) We are still standing with the decision of the Kuteb traditional committee on the non-rotation of the Ukwe Takum stool.

(2) Takum Chieftaincy stool is the birthright and inheritance of the two ruling houses of Likam and Akente and should not in any way be substituted/rotated with anyone for any developmental agenda in your government.

(3) Traditional stools are sacred and represent the culture and customs of the aboriginal which is quite different from political and social affairs as seen in other places. This is sequel to your Excellency's statement that you have solved many worrisome issues in the Niger- Delta compares to the UKWE STOOL of Takum. It is worthy of note that Takum Ukwe stool is governed by custom and traditions and is recognized by Taraba State chieftaincy laws which do not align with the political and social pandemonium in the Niger- Delta led by Tompolo.

(4) Never in the history of African traditional settings has any sequence of traditional leadership lineage that has existed for centuries been destroyed to allow a new dynasty to be established or created. This is unacceptable, strange, and alien. We in totality reject the proposal by Your Excellency to create three chiefdoms in Takum undermining the existing Ukwe stool.

(5) To the best of our knowledge there are existing laws that give legal backing to the traditional stool of UKWE Takum. We hereby refer Your Excellency to Taraba State chieftaincy laws from 1991 till date.

Therefore it is worrisome for anybody to have misled Your Excellency that the stool of UKWE Takum was never in existence.

(6) Your Excellency sir, the kuteb youths look at any action to erase the existing history in respect of UKWE Takum as observed as an outright confrontation to the kuteb race as a people. Any attempt to distort the existing history concerning the stool of UKWE Takum will amount to injustice to the entire Kuteb as a people.

(7) The herdsmen crisis/Banditry that engulfed over 150 kuteb communities for over five years with no government intervention should be considered an urgent priority of your administration so that our utterly ravaged communities can be revamped and the displaced individuals return to their normal activities so they can as well enjoy your numerous good policies. 

Accept the highest assurances of our warm regards, your Excellency.

Yours faithfully,

Danjuma Rimamnde

Secretary

Kuteb youths forum

Taraba Rep bye-election: I am disappointed at CAN. SDP candidate.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The candidate of the Social Democratic party (SDP), for Jalingo Yorro and Zing, house of Representative bye-election, Hon. Innocent Jabayang on Wednesday said, he is disappointed at the decision of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Taraba state chapter, over her last-minute decision against him in the election.

Our correspondent reports that the Christian umpire body in Taraba had on Saturday, the 3rd. Feb. 2024, a day slated for the Jalingo Yorro and Zing House of Representative bye-election, issued a press release informing all Christians in the constituency to vote for the People's democratic party (PDP), candidate, Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida.

CAN, claimed in the statement that the SDP candidate had withdrawn from the contest following his meeting with Governor Agbu Kefas, and had adequately informed them of his decision.

 The state CAN chairman, Rev. Magaji Jirapye had also said during a press briefing in Jalingo that CAN did not force the SDP candidate to withdraw from the contest.

However, when contacted, Hon. Jabayang described CAN's position as disappointing, injurious, and a last-minute tactic to ensure the government candidate emerged at the poll.

"I am disappointed at the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Taraba state. I am a member of CAN but I must say, I am disappointed over the leadership's last-minute decision against me in the last Saturday bye-election.

"I would have won the election before 1:Pm, if not because of the CAN false publication against me that I have stepped down. My supporters became weak until most of them were convinced that I was still in the race, and didn't sell out their mandate. 

"I have not withdrawn from the election, I am still in the contest. I want all my supporters to remain confident in our victory. I want to inform all my supporters and other Nigerians that, I didn't collect money from Governor Kefas or anyone from other political party to withdraw from the election. I did not as well, reach any agreement with anybody to withdraw from the election.

"I want to inform Tarabans especially my supporters that, the CAN statement was just a mere tactic to gain support for the government candidate. CAN saw the prospect of my victory and was desperate to distract it.

"Both CAN and PDP approached me to step down for Hon.Tafida but I told them to go back to my constituents, especially the Mumuye cultural association who asked me to contest, and has been doing everything for the movement. They refused to approach my people, they said the condition was too difficult to approach.

"I did not ask them for money, I only asked them to contact the people who saw credibility in me and have decided to sponsor me for the election.

"How can I withdraw from an election that even the devil knows that I am a winner? My supporters and the Mumuye Cultural Association would kill me if I sold out their mandate for any reason.

"I want all my supporters and the Mumuye cultural association not to be distracted. I want them to remain focused and come en Mass for the supplementary election to vote, and defend their votes for my victory. I want them not to be distracted by CAN but to be focused to vote for me". Jabayang expressed.

Taraba govt. donates 11 operational vehicles to NSCDC

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba Government has donated 11 operational Hilux vans to the Taraba State Command of the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to boost their operational capabilities in the State.

This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Superintendent of Corps Iliya Samaila, Public Relations Officer of the Command, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.

It stated that while handing over the vehicle keys to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Gov Agbu Kefas of Taraba said the government had deemed it necessary to assist the Corps with logistics to boost its capability to effectively tackle criminality in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The statement quoted Kefas, who was represented by Mr Timothy Kataps, charged the Corps to go after all the criminals operating in the State without any fear as the State government would do everything within its power to support the Corps.

It further stated that Commandant Adamu Salihu, State Commandant of the Corps, while receiving the vehicles,  thanked the governor for always providing support to the Corps in times of need.

"I want to thank His Excellency the Governor of Taraba State Dr. Agbu Kefas for seeing the need to boost our operations by donating eleven vans to us. 

"This is the first of its kind as far as the NSCDC in Taraba is concerned. 

"Two months ago the Governor refurbished all our operational vehicles and today he has given us new ones.

"We are most grateful. We will repay this kind gesture by putting all hands on deck to ensure there is lasting peace and security in Taraba state.

"On this note, let me warn all criminals operating in Taraba to either leave the state or face the re-energized force of the NSCDC." Statement noted.

Breaking: INEC declares Taraba Rep Bye- Election inconclusive

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, declared the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency bye-election inconclusive. 

The Election Returning Officer, Prof. Daniel Ayuba, who announced the result said the margin of lead between the PDP and SDP is 1677 votes, while the number of Permanent Voters Cards, (PVC), collected in the polling units canceled is 14759.

According to the Returning Officer, the supplementary election would be between the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Hon. Sadiq Abas Tafida who scored 17214 votes, and the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Hon. Innocent Jabayang who polled 15537 votes respectively.

Taraba: Tiv IDPs not bandits - Cultural group warn

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A cultural group, Tiv Culture and Social Association (TCSA) Taraba state has asked the security agencies and local authorities in the southern senatorial district of the state to desist from tagging Tiv people, especially the IDPs in Wukari local government as bandits.

Chief James Baka, president general of the association gave the warning in a press release in Jalingo on Sunday.

Baka on behalf of the association, expressed dismay over the unfortunate continued tagging and branding of the Tiv people in Taraba, especially the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs in the Southern part of the state as bandits by some security agencies and local authorities.

The state Tiv cultural leader warned those found in such utterances to desist for fear of God.

"We wish to inform the general public that the Tiv people in the Southern part of Taraba, especially in Wukari local government area have been displaced from their ancestral homes for over four years now, and are only seeking the state government intervention to return.

"We want to inform the general public that the Nigerian Army and local authorities in Wukari local government have deliberately tagged the Tiv IDPs in the area, and some parts of Donga LGA as bandits. They tagged them in such that any attempt to return to their ancestral homes attracts death or arrest in the name of a bandit. How can a displaced person who is helplessly seeking government security and relief materials to return home would be a bandit?  Where does he have money to acquire weapons for banditry? We want anyone involved in such an attitude to desist.

"Just recently, some IDPs returned to Ikyernum and Tor-Iorshagher Villages in Wukari, as well as Akinde Village in Dona LGA but were attacked and killed

"The Wukari LGA chairman, Hon. Dauda Samaila first went and asked the IDPs to return to their IDP camps until they are asked to return before the helpless IDPs were attacked and killed the following morning. How can one who is a bandit would allow himself to be severely attacked and displaced without attacking back?

"We want the general public to know that Tiv displaced areas in Southern Taraba, especially in Wukari and some parts of Donga LGA have now become safe abodes for criminals where they hide and carry out their criminal activities. For security agencies and the local authorities in the areas to continue attributing criminal activity in those areas to the innocent Tiv IDPs who have fled the areas and are looking up to them for safe return is mischief, a clear attempt to isolate the Tiv people and place them for destruction.

"We vehemently condemned all acts of criminality in Taraba state and pledge to never for once, aid criminality of any kind. We want the whole world to know that we are not bandits. We are IDPs whose rights have been denied. 

"We wish to appeal to the Chief of Army Staff and other heads of security agencies to take punitive measures against officers who have occupied our ancestral villages but are deliberately preventing us from returning. We appeal to the State and Federal Government not to hesitate but to deploy all immediate and necessary means to resettle all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), particularly in Wukari and Donga local governments to enable them to prepare for the next farming season.

"We also appeal to both Taraba state and the Federal Government to provide relief materials for the IDPs, just as we sympathize with families and communities who lost their loved ones and properties during these trying times" The cultural group noted.

Gov. Agbu appoints Taraba head of Civil service.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has approved the appointment of Mr. Paul Maigida Tino as the state's Head of Civil Service.

This is contained in a statement by the Governor's Press Secretary, Mr Yusuf Sanda indicates that the appointment was due to the retirement of the former Head of Service and the need to fill the position.

The statement also added that Mr. Paul Maigida's appointment followed the completion, submission, and recommendation of The Committee for the screening and recommendation of a qualified and suitable candidate for such a position.

The statement reads in parts, "Following the retirement of the former Head of Service of the State and the desire to fill same on merit and qualification, His Excellency, The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas constituted and inaugurated a Committee for the Screening and Recommendation of suitable candidates as Head of Civil Service of Taraba State. 

"To ensure fairness, all the 35 Permanent Secretaries in the State were invited for the exercise by the Committee and only 15 of them presented themselves for the robust screening. Out of the 15, 7 candidates who scored between 66-86 points were recommended as suitable candidates to the Governor. Mr. Paul Maigida Tino scored the highest point making him the most suitable candidate for appointment as the Head of Civil Service of Taraba State." Statement added.

Gov Agbu consoles VP Shettima over stepmother's demise

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has condoled with Vice President Kashim Shettima over the death of his stepmother, Hajja Hauwa Abba Kormi.

In a statement by the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Mr. Emmanuel Bello in Jalingo on Sunday, Dr. Agbu extolled the virtues of the deceased.

The governor urges the Vice President to take pride in the fact of being a worthy son who lived out all parents prayed for their children. 

Governor Agbu, however, described Mama Hauwa as a true symbol of decency and moral rectitude, stressing that the discipline she instilled in her children has become a national treasure.

Governor Agbu prayed for the repose of her soul while urging the Vice President to continue to uphold Mama's legacies of resilience and uprightness.

CAN: We didn't force the SDP candidate to step down

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Taraba state, has dismissed the speculation that they pressurized, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Innocent Jabayang for the bye-election for Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing federal constituency to step down for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sadiq Tafida.

The CAN chairman, Magaji Jirapye, dismissed the speculation during an interaction with journalists on Saturday in Jalingo the state capital.

The ongoing bye-election followed the death of  Ismaila Maihanchi who won the February 25  2023 election.

Mr Jirapye said that Jabayang willingly stepped down after the governor consulted him a few hours before the election, he said CAN was only informed after his decision.

"CAN was informed about the decision because of our earlier resolve to support the aspiration of the SDP candidate.

"When he willingly decided to withdraw to support the PDP candidate, the governor reached out to us because of our earlier resolve and we held a meeting with the SDP candidate and he confirmed his decision to us.

"CAN did not force him to step down," Jipreye said.

All efforts to reach Jabayang through phone calls and text messages proved abortive.

It was observed that the bye-election was marred by a low turnout of voters in the various polling units and wards.

Our correspondent who monitored the election reported that people were seen going about doing their normal business activities and there were scanty voters in the polling units visited.

Though security personnel and INEC ad-hoc staff were on the ground at the various polling units and wards visited, there was largely voter apathy.

The major contenders in the election are Sadiq Abbas of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aminu Liman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, and Aminu Malle of the All Progressives Congress.

As of the time of filing this report, the elections are yet to conclude.

Efforts of Taraba State Government in Combating Malaria

By Thomas Samuel

In August 2019, with support from the global funds, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), the governments of Taraba and Kaduna states embarked on a significant campaign to distribute over 7.3 million long-lasting insecticidal nets to indigenous populations across their respective local government areas. In Taraba State alone, over 5.2 million nets were distributed across 16 local government areas.

 The then governor of the state, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, hailed the campaign as a crucial step towards improving the health and well-being of the state's populace. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing an enabling environment for healthcare delivery services in Taraba State.

Similarly, in September 2022, the Minister of Health at the time, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, emphasized the importance of collective action to eliminate malaria from Taraba State. During the flagship of a seasonal malaria preventive session in Jalingo, he called upon media practitioners, traditional rulers, and community leaders to educate residents on the importance of malaria elimination. The Minister stressed the need for compliance with preventive measures such as sleeping under treated mosquito nets.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria still grapples with a significant burden of malaria. The 2021 World Malaria Day report highlighted Nigeria's slow progress towards achieving the targets set in the national malaria elimination strategy. With Nigeria accounting for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths, stakeholders, including the WHO, continue to advocate for intensified efforts to combat malaria in the country.

Malaria remains endemic in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children under five years old. The disease, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, claimed an estimated 691,000 lives globally in 2021, with Africa bearing the brunt of the burden. Alarmingly, children under five accounted for about 80% of malaria-related deaths in the region.

In tropical and subtropical regions like Nigeria, malaria transmission is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and altitude. Climate change exacerbates these conditions, enabling mosquitoes to thrive in new areas previously unaffected by the disease. Despite being a highland state, Taraba has not been immune to malaria, with prevalence closely linked to its geographical and topographical conditions.

A recent study published in the Scientific African Journal highlighted the prevalence of malaria in Taraba State, particularly in lowland areas such as Sardauna, Gashaka, and Kurmi. The study attributed the higher incidence of malaria in lowland areas to the inhabitants' limited use of preventive measures compared to those in highland areas.

To combat malaria effectively, Taraba State has implemented various measures, including house-to-house distribution of insecticidal nets and awareness campaigns on preventive measures. However, sustained efforts and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial to achieving the goal of malaria elimination by 2030.

In conclusion, while progress has been made in the fight against malaria in Taraba State, concerted efforts are needed to address the persistent challenges and achieve lasting success in malaria control and elimination.

Thomas Samuel is an Editor at the Taraba State Broadcasting Service and a Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University UK

 

Taraba State Government promises to partner with MUWANSHAT College of Health

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government is partnering with MUWANSHAT College of Health Science and Technology, Jalingo for training personnel who would administer health care services to the people of the State.

The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Buma Bodiya, who stated this during an interview shortly after the 3rd Matriculation ceremony of newly admitted Students of the College said, MUWANSHAT is improving the human resources for health in the State.

Dr. Bodiya, who spoke through the Director General, of Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA), Dr. Garba Danjuma said MUWANSHAT is complementing the State Government's efforts in the Health Sector.

According to the Commissioner, Statistics have shown that the population of Health Care Workers in the State is abysmally poor hence the need to partner with the Institution to make sure that the State has enough human resources for health.

"This will help the Government both at the lower and the middle level because this is where 70% of the people are located, not only at the Local Government Headquarters but in the rural areas.

"What they are doing is going to reduce the death of women during delivery and also reduce the death of children under the age of five (5)". He said.

On ways the State Government can contribute significantly to the development of the Institution, Dr. Bodiya said, it is all about partnership. 

"The first thing the Government did was to approve for the College to operate because if the Government is not comfortable with what they have, it cannot start.

"When the Management of the Institution approached the Ministry of Health, the Ministry was able to send its Team to come and inspect and give the necessary Advice and Approval to proceed", he added. 

Bodiya further disclosed that Dr. Kefas is passionate about the healthcare needs of the people,  describing it as the reason why all healthcare facilities, most General Hospitals in the State are undergoing renovation with equitable Equipment supplied.

He however, charged the Institution to identify and present to the Government, areas it deems significant for assistance stressing that the Ministry can also look at areas within its limit to see how they can be supportive explaining that, the College is helping the State Government and by extension the people of the State.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, of Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako commended the Proprietor, MUWANSHAT College of Health Science and Technology, Jalingo Alh. Umaru Yola for investing in the Sector where he noted, young men and women were being trained in Health Science and Technology.

Prof. Bako said, initially Alh. Yola started with Certificates and diplomas in the College before he got permission to affiliate with the State University to train the Students at the Degree level.

"We are partners, we are affiliate Institutions.

"Affiliate is something that is sanctioned by the National Policy of Education.

"Before we went into partnership with the College and before approval to operate was granted to the MUWANSHAT Health Science and Technology in Jalingo, the University went on assessment on physical facilities, staffing, and other requirements at the College.

"My call is that we need more players from the Private Sector to complement Government efforts and quality manpower to man our Industries concerning MUWANSHAT", he said.

Fielding questions also from Reporters, the Proprietor of the College, Alh. Umaru Yola said over 400 newly admitted Students of the Institution were matriculated for the 2023/2024 Academic year.

Umaru Yola said his priority, establishing the College is to help the State Government in getting more Health Personnel.

He, however, called on the newly admitted Students to be focused and should not compromise their Studies.