Two prsons have been sentenced to 10 years imprison for Illegal Possession of Firearm in Taraba.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Chief Judge of Taraba, Justice Joel Agya, has sentenced two persons to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine for illegal possession of firearms.

The convicts, Usman Tafi Yau and William Duaknaan, were being tried on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Agya, in his judgement on Tuesday, told the prosecuting counsel, Madina Kabir, that she failed to prove in the case brought before the court that the defendants actually conspired with others currently at large to abduct one Mohammed Abba at Chediya Village in Wukari Local Government Area on March 29, 2020.

On this premise, he cleared the defendants of the charges of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping. However, he said the convicts were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms based on their confessional statements, which were corroborated by the exhibits presented and the oral evidence of witnesses brought before the court.

Counsel to the first and second defendants, Mr  Ibrahim Bawa and Mr Peter Ibeh, pleaded with the presiding judge to temper justice with mercy in his ruling.

Justice Agya, in his verdict, noted that if the prosecuting counsel had done due diligence on the matter, the defendants would have been sentenced to death based on the state's anti-kidnapping law.

He explained that the convicts, in their confessional statements, admitted to kidnapping a Fulani man at Giwan Kogi in Gassol on March 28, 2020. 

However, the case they were being tried for was the kidnapping of Mohammed Abba, who was abducted at Chediya  Village in Wukari on March 29, 2020.

The defendants were arrested at Chediya  Village, where they had gone to buy food for themselves and their kidnap victim when they were apprehended by the vigilante group.

"Following the provision of Section 3, sub-section 1 of the robbery and firearms (special provision) Acts 2004 I hereby sentence the convicts to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine, and the sentence will run from 2020," he said.

NGO Beginsand 2-Day Capacity Building on AIDS, TB, Malaria Prevention in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Association of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN), a non-governmental organization, has over the weekend commenced a two-day training programme focused on the prevention and control of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Taraba.

During the orientation program held in Jalingo, the state capital, ACOMIN's national program officer, Mr. Richard Hule, urged participants to be proactive in the fight against these diseases, applying the knowledge they acquired during the training throughout Taraba State.

Hule emphasized ACOMIN's commitment to eliminating malaria in Taraba by deploying trainees to educate locals across the state. He noted that ACOMIN's role in Grant Cycle 7 (GC-7) extends beyond malaria to include efforts against AIDS and tuberculosis.

Victoria Alicha, the communication officer, highlighted in her session on malaria epidemiology that children under five, pregnant women, and patients with sickle cell anaemia are at high risk. She stressed the importance of preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, eliminating stagnant water, and maintaining environmental sanitation.

In his remarks, the state ACOMIN chairman, Alh. Tanko Danburam encouraged participants to utilize the grant effectively in combating AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Group Seeks Government Support to Reduce Maternal and Neonatal Deaths in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The volunteer group "Mama-to-Mama," dedicated to educating women on maternal and child health on Sunday called on the Taraba State government to support its activities aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and improving child immunisation in the state.

Mrs. Christiana Habila, Assistant Health Educator for Advocacy and Health Promotion, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to Lau local government. 

She highlighted the impact of the UNICEF initiative, funded by GAVI, which has significantly reduced cases of maternal death and child mortality.

Habila emphasized the urgent need for Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas to support the volunteers to enhance awareness efforts.

"I want to plead with the state government to assist UNICEF and GAVI regarding stipends. The Mama-to-Mama volunteers are not being paid; they only receive a small token for fare, which is insufficient for those in remote areas.

"If the government steps in, it will encourage the volunteers, boost their activities, and yield better results than we have now. We appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to provide ambulances or tricycles, which could significantly alleviate some of the challenges," she added.

Mrs Habila also expressed her appreciation for the volunteers' hard work and encouraged them to continue striving to achieve the set goals of improving maternal and child immunization services in Taraba communities.

Rukaiya Mohammed, head of volunteers, and Felicia Francis, Routine Immunization Officer, also thanked UNICEF and GAVI for their efforts to improve the lives of women and children in Taraba, promising to make judicious use of the support provided.

Society for Family Health has empowered 87 people living with HIV in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Society for Family Health (SFH)'s Lafiyan Yara project in partnership with the Taraba Government, empowered 87 people living with HIV/AIDS through Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) training and cash support in Bali and Sardauna Local Government Areas of the state.

The Director of SFH's Lafiyan Yara project, Aisha Dadi, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Jalingo.

Dadi said the 2-day training in Bali and Gembu brought together beneficiaries carefully selected using treatment outcomes of their children in the health facilities where they access Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).

According to her, the sum of N70,000 cash transfer was given to each of the 87 beneficiaries as a seed grant, after the team had carefully assessed the viability of the business plans they had submitted to ensure growth and sustainability.

"The two-day training, which took place in Medical and Health Care Hall, Bali, and Mambilla Baptist Hospital Hall, Gembu empowered indigent parents and caregivers of children living with HIV in the State.

"This initiative is aimed at addressing critical issues such as missed appointments for ART, medication pick-up and refills among children living with HIV due to lack of funds for transportation or nutrition challenges among children enrolled into ART, which often leads to suboptimal adherence and unsuppressed viral loads.

The training sessions, conducted by the dedicated project team and the State Ministry of Health – State AIDS and STI Control Programme (SASCP), capacitated indigent community members on the VSLA details.

"Some of the details include the methodology of VSLA, constitution formation, formation of business strategy, management of funds to improve business capital and profit, savings and collection of loans among many others," she said.

Dadi further noted that the training also provided a platform for the caregivers to be empowered with information on ART treatment and the literacy needed to support their children to adhere to the lifesaving treatment which will enhance the well-being of their children.

"The sessions were meticulously designed to empower parents and caregivers of the affected children by introducing them to the concept of VSLA and providing them with practical skills and tools," she said.

According to her, five associations were formed and registered with the Ministry of Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation of the State with the support of SFH.

She recalled that the project had earlier empowered 60 beneficiaries from Jalingo, Zing, Gassol and Wukari Local government areas of the state.

ACOMIN has commenced training of two Community-Based Organizations in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Association of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN), a civil society coalition on Wednesday commenced the training of two additional Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)  aimed at eradicating malaria in Taraba communities.

Alhaji Tanko Danburam, ACOMIN State Chairman, disclosed this in Jalingo during a two-day training focused on "Changing the Malaria Narrative in Taraba," targeting nine local government areas in the state.

"The ACOMIN component, referred to as Community Led Monitoring (CLM), focuses on gathering input from service providers, recipients of services, and affected communities in a routine and systematic manner that translates into action and change. 

"We are working in close collaboration with the Ministries of Health, National and State Malaria Elimination Programmes, the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), and the Roll Back Malaria project in thirteen states, including CRS and its sub-recipients, such as the Society for Family Health, Management Sciences for Health, Malaria Consortium, the mass media, and other relevant stakeholders.

"The Community Led Monitoring Initiative focuses on the availability, access to, and quality of malaria services, improved budgetary appropriation and community investment, and enhanced human resources for health. We have achieved tremendous results by involving the community in monitoring and taking ownership of their health outcomes, he said.

Speaking at the event, ACOMIN National staff member Mr. Hule Richard explained that the organization's aim is to work with relevant stakeholders to improve the quality of AIDS, TB, and Malaria (ATM) services in Taraba communities.

According to Richard, ACOMIN also aims to complement the state government's efforts to improve health service delivery by working with community stakeholders to address challenges identified by the CBOs.

"ACOMIN has been funded by the Global Fund to implement the Community Led Monitoring project in Taraba State. The project is being implemented in nine local government areas in the state. Since starting in 2019, we have engaged additional CBOs, bringing the total to 18 organizations implementing this project in the state."

"We are working in collaboration with the state government, complementing its efforts, and more importantly, working with community stakeholders to listen to their concerns and challenges affecting the quality of ATM services, and bringing these concerns to the attention of the government for immediate response," Richard said.

Participants at the training who spoke to our correspondent thanked ACOMIN for organizing the training and expressed their readiness to assist ACOMIN in achieving its goals.

TY Danjuma :Kuteb are the people of the hills and cannot lay claim to the sole ownership of Takum

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma retired, on Saturday commended Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba for resolving the prolonged Takum Chieftaincy tussle by appointing a king after 28 years.

Danjuma disclosed this at the inauguration ceremony of Chief  Sopiya Ahmadu, the new traditional ruler of Takum.

He said that the history of Takum as advanced by the Kuteb people was false and only known to those trying to cause trouble.

"They are the people of the hills and cannot lay claim to the sole ownership of Takum," he said.

Danjuma advised Kefas to be ready to face more litigations, on the Chieftaincy issue, assuring him that he would win over falsehood.

He urged the young people in the area to go to school and acquire knowledge that would be beneficial to the community.

While congratulating Ahmadu on his ascension to the throne of his great grandfathers, he called on him to see it as a call to service and treat all people equally. 

Gov. Kefas recalled the challenges on the way to reconciliation, fairness and unity, appealing to the people to give peace a chance.

"Today, we bring peace and unity to Takum. As the chief of Takum you must rule with integrity and respect for all. 

"This is not a moment of victory, but a moment for shared prosperity and a great future for Takum.

"We pledge to ensure that all displaced people return to their homes and to assist those in need to return to normal lives for a brighter and inclusive future.

On his part, former Governor of Plateau, Jonah Jang,  while congratulating the people of Takum, called on the governors in the country to demand state police to enable them to police their territories well.

Godwin Obaseki of Edo called on the people of Taraba to embrace peace to harness God's given resources and talents of the state.

"Today marks the beginning of a new dawn and prosperity in Takum and Taraba

"With the inauguration of the new chief of Takum, prosperity and peace will be restored and the people will be happy.

In his vote of thanks, Chief Ahmadu the new chief called on all to join hands and forget their differences to build Takum. 

He pledged to focus on security to ensure that peace was accelerated for the good of the land.

Our correspondent reports that the Takum Chieftaincy tool, usually referred to as Ukwe Takum as resolved for the Kuteb ruling class has now been amended by a law assented to by Gov. Kefas.

The tool is to now rotate among the Chamba, Kuteb and Kpanzu peoples of Takum.

Our correspondent recalls that the Kuteb people in a press conference recently rejected the rotation arrangement, saying they would not recognize the new chief, who is of Chamba extraction.

NGO partners Taraba Assembly Speaker to Improve WASH services

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) on Friday paid an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Taraba House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Taraba State.

Taraba NEWSAN Coordinator, Mr. Boniface Koson,  during the visit to Jalingo, said the meeting was a follow-up on NEWSAN's "WASH Charter for Demands," signed by various political candidates, including Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, during the 2023 general elections.

The Coordinator explained that the visit aimed to leverage the charter to encourage and remind the signatories to prioritize climate-resilient water and sanitation services in their communities.

 Boniface stated, "NEWSAN members are experts in various WASH fields and have trained facilitators, consultants, and technical support personnel over the years to achieve this goal.

"We are here to solicit your support and inclusion of a budget line towards ending open defecation in Taraba State between 2025 and 2030. Taraba State is at the centre of the northeast, with migrants from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other neighbouring states, and there are inadequate facilities. Hence, we need to advocate for collaboration to achieve the target."

NEWSMAN National Deputy Coordinator, Mr Princewill Mordi, also urged the government to ensure the availability of safe drinking water for residents. 

He emphasized the need for improved public perception, increased political prioritization, adequate funding, and strong policies and institutions.

In response, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, thanked the team for reminding them of their responsibilities.

Represented by the Deputy Clerk, Mr. Atsobra Musa, Bonzena noted that the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas has shown commitment to addressing water challenges.

"As it is budget time, we will ensure the inclusion of water sanitation and hygiene in various ministries to minimize, if not eradicate, open defecation and provide safe and clean drinking water, as well as a safe environment for our people. We are ever ready to partner with you to achieve these goals," he said.

Society for Family Health moves to improve HIV care for children, and pregnant/ lactating mothers in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Society for Family Health, through one of its projects in Taraba, Lafiyan Yara, conducted its annual workshop for all project staff to improve the HIV cascade of care among children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating mothers in the state.

Dr Omokhudu Idogho, the Managing Director while speaking at a two-day annual workshop on Friday in Jalingo, said the projects staff included Community Counsellor Testers, Facility Case Managers, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), and Mentor Mothers.

Idogho said the workshop drew 130 participants from the 15 implementing Local Government Areas of the state, all of whom play pivotal roles in ensuring the success and efficiency of service delivery within the project.

Represented by the Country Coordinator of the Project, Aisha Dadi, the MD said one of the primary aims of the workshop was to harmonize efforts and enhance service delivery by the state project team.

According to her, the harmonisation was to align with the Strategic Direction of the organization - Beyond Boundaries 2024-2030, Innovations for New Markets laid out by SFH.

She explained that the workshop also focused on orienting project staff with the organizational sustainability model reinforcing its guiding principles and ensuring the provision of quality services for the community.

The Director said case identification of HIV among Children and adolescents, pregnant and lactating mothers, complete linkage to the health facilities, treatment retention and viral suppression strategies would be discussed and addressed to improve quality of life among the target population.

Our correspondent reports that during the meeting, participants actively engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing experiences and innovative strategies aimed at improving service quality and expanding its reach. 

key aspects of the workshop were the documentation of successes stories, challenges and recommendations from the frontline of programme implementation. 
Through diligent record-keeping and analysis, participants aimed to extract actionable insights to guide future endeavours.

Topics range from UNAIDS goal of 95:95:95 and its strategies, mental health management and storytelling to leveraging digital media for photo and video coverage, leadership, and navigating the strategic landscape outlined by SFH.

New team members were welcomed and provided with comprehensive orientations, ensuring they were not only familiar with the objectives of the Lafiyan Yara Project but also equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to hit the ground running.

In his goodwill message Mr Jellason Danjuma, the Director of Planning, Monitoring, and Research (DPRM) at the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency commended SFH for its wonderful contributions towards mitigating the effects of HIV in Taraba.

Taraba land dispute: Tiv community rejects monarch's media propaganda, calls for fair treatment

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Tiv community in Bali Local Government area of Taraba state on Thursday refuted the media reports attributed to the Chief of Jibu Chiefdom, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmoud, claiming that he relocated Dugwer residents to a new site to resolve a longstanding land dispute.

Zaki David Gbaa, the traditional leader of Tiv in Bali and Chairman, of the Taraba State Council of Tiv Traditional Leaders, refuted the claim in an interview with journalists, describing it as diversionary and aimed at deceiving the people and impeding the investigation ordered by the Governor Agbu Kefas.

The Kur Jibu, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmoud had on Monday purportedly handed over the new land in the Utsuwa-Daa area of Bali to the people of Dugwer, saying the move would settle the protracted land dispute between the Tiv and Hausa communities residing in the area.

But in an interview with journalists, the Chief of Tiv pointed out that the Governor, in a recent meeting regarding the land dispute, instructed the Chairman of the Bali Local Government Council, Hon. Aboki Dakka, to compile a report on all land issues in the area and submit to him for further action and wondered why the Kur Jibu was acting in defiance to the Governor's directive.

"I have submitted my report to the Chairman as directed by the Governor and I think the best thing to do is to wait for the Governor to go through the reports and take a decision.

"The land in question is over 500 hectares and the new land he is saying he has given to the people is less than eight hectares, how would the people farming on 500 hectares of land now confine themselves to eight hectares?

"To put the record straight, the Court of Appeal Yola Division in 2019 ruled in our favour and handed over the land to us as original owners and we have the court proceedings. The Kur Jibu allocated the land to the immediate past Governor of the state, Arc. Darius Ishaku, throwing up fresh controversy.

"We are a peace-loving people and would not accept anything that will throw up fresh crisis in the area. We want to call on Governor Agbu Kefas who has already waded into the issue to expedite action for the peaceful resolution of the issue," he appealed.

Gbaa said tension was also mounting in Zuddai community following the seizure of farmlands in seven village subdivisions belonging to the Tiv community, the matter he said he has reported to the Kur Jibu who simply said they have resolved that nobody should stay in the affected areas.

Taraba State Government Blames FG Over Prolonged Blackout

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba state government on Thursday expressed grave concern over the worsening power supply situation in the  State and criticized the federal government for its perceived negligence in addressing the total blackout in the State.

Engr. Naomi Tanko Agbu, Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development for Taraba State, voiced the state government's dismay over the power crisis that has plunged Taraba and neighbouring states into darkness, severely impacting business activities in the region.

During a media briefing in Jalingo, she highlighted the recent disruption in electricity supply caused by the vandalization of four transmission line towers along the Jos-Gombe 330kV line on April 22, 2024.

"This issue is a federal matter, and I want to assure you that we are taking it very seriously. We have been working tirelessly with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) to address the situation. We have also contacted the Minister of Power, and we are yet to receive positive feedback regarding the weeks of blackout in a state capital such as Jalingo in Nigeria.

"The prolonged response time is concerning, as it indicates complete neglect by the federal government towards Taraba State and the region. The recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of the network serving the North-East region. The urgent need for a robust plan, such as the North-East ring circuit proposed in TCN's expansion plan to connect the North-East to the South of Nigeria, cannot be overstated and should be implemented immediately by the federal government.

"As some of you may already know, other states have received partial reconnection to electricity supply through the back feeding of the old TCN 132kV line stretching from Jos via Bauchi, Gombe, Savannah to Yola and Jalingo. However, the technical constraints and equipment limitations from the TCN end pose significant challenges. The risk of supplying electricity to Jalingo at this point far outweighs the benefit to our people.

"Our priority is the restoration of electricity supply to affected areas quickly and safely. The TCN contractor has already been mobilized to the site and has commenced reconnection works with his teams," she stated.

Agbu urged Tarabans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals observed near transmission line towers or electrical facilities attempting to vandalize any infrastructure. She also noted that YEDC has provided phone numbers and contact information for whistleblowers to report such incidents.

Eschew night travels- NYSC coordinator tells corps members in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State NYSC coordinator, Mr. Ella Aji Williams on Tuesday urged Corps members posted to serve in Taraba State not to continue their journey beyond 6:pm. Advised them should they be on the road by that time, they should approach the nearest military and police barracks or NYSC formation for accommodation.

The coordinator gave the advice during the closing ceremony for the 2024, Batch 'A' stream ii orientation course at the Sibere permanent orientation camp in the Ardo-kola local government area of the State.

Williams admonished them not to board vehicles by the roadside, but rather go to designated motor parks in order to ensure their safety.

"I wish to reiterate management travel advice to the Corps Members

against night travel. You are required to eschew night voyages.

Endeavour to break your journey once it is six in the evening. Available locations

for you to pass the night include police stations, military barracks, and any close

NYSC secretariat or orientation camp. I commit you all to the hand of the

Almighty God as you begin your journey to your respective destinations.

"My dear Corps Members, as you commence the next phase of the Cardinal programmes of the scheme, I enjoin you all to make good use of the training and knowledge acquired from the orientation course and make positive changes in the lives of the people you will meet in your respective host communities, using the tools of the SAED and CDS programmes of the scheme.

"It is expected that you will make painstaking efforts to learn, unlearn, understand, and respect the ways, cultures, and traditions of the people of your host communities. Feel free to relate with them without fear or hindrance. You are required to look inward to identify their challenges or areas of need and make an impact on solving these needs using the tool of the Community Development Service programme", he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu kefasKefas has expressed his readiness to ensure that corps member's welfare is taking care of as of when due.

Represented by the State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Chief Barrister Gebon Timothy Kataps, Kefas reminded them of the scheme programmes; which include Orientation course, Primary assignment/Community Development Service, and winding-up and passing-out exercise.

"let me reassure you of my administration's commitment to

ensuring the well-being of all corps members serving in the state. We will always ensure that we assist the scheme in realising its targeted goals and objectives. I want to equally direct all corps employers not to reject the services of these corps members but should ensure that they provide accommodation to them in a bid to enable them to settle down and deliver their services to the good people of the state.

"I must add without equivocation that the NYSC scheme has played a key role in this regard. The scheme through your predecessors has played a great role in the accelerated development of the Nation in general and Taraba State in particular. I, therefore entreat you to use this time and period to contribute your quota to the socio-economic development of your immediate host community and the Nation at large.

We are aware of the issue of electricity supply in the camp which affects the supply of water, the ministry of Youths and Sports Development is now directed to come up with a memo for the installation of the solar power system to take care of this critical problem immediately", he directed.

Taraba community seeks upgrade of Chiefdom and creation of district heads

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The paramount ruler of the Jenjo community in the Karim-Lamido local government area,  on Saturday, called on the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas to upgrade the Jen chiefdom to 2nd class status and create more district heads for the sake of unity and oneness.

The chief of the Jenjo community, HRH, David Robert requested the Jenjo Cultural Day Celebration, held at Major General Boniface Robert Sinjen, Sports and Cultural Centre, organized in his honour in Jen Karim-Lamido local government area of the State.

The 3rd class chief asserted that "Jen chiefdom was long overdue to be upgraded to a new status to give the Jenjo people a sense of belonging".

He also appealed to the state government through the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to approve the creation of more district and village heads within the Jenjo chiefdom.

"Government cannot do everything for us, hence all hands must be on the desk to assist our community to grow.

"One of the greatest worries in this chiefdom is our request for 2nd class status, we were initially on the same rank with Zing, Kona and Bali up to the early 70s having embarked 3rd class chiefdom since the 80s, surprisingly, Zing has 1st class, while Bali and Bakundi are in 2nd class level leaving Jen far behind.

"We are, therefore, appealing to the state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas to approve and upgrade Jen chiefdom to give us a sense of pride.

"Let me also call on the government through the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to approve the creation of more district heads and village heads in Jen's domain.

"I Want to assure the governor of our resolve and pledge to do everything humanly possible to live in harmony, ensuring fairness, equity and justice, promote peace, growth and development of our community the State and the nation ", he promised.

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, former Governor of Tàraba state, the Rev. Jolly Nyame, while expressing confidence in the paramount ruler,  urged him to use his power to unite his people both within and outside the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Agbu Kefas, said that his administration would not leave any stone on turn in addressing the challenges of Taraba citizens.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Timothy Katap, kefas assured the community that they would be connected to a high-quality road in the next two years.

COAS commissions intervention projects in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on Thursday commissioned Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Projects at  Jen community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Lagbaja disclosed at the project's site that, the initiative was to provide support where communities of the Nigerian army officers who through dedication to duty and offer services for the country had risen to the ranks of major general to enhance the quality of life of Nigeria citizens.

He stated this during the Combined Commissioning of the intervention projects christened, Major General Boniface Robert Sinjen Sports and Cultural Centre and Major General Henry Tafida Wesley Multipurpose Centre respectively.

Commissioning the projects, Gen Lagbaja lauded the remarkable contributions and dedication to the service of Major Generals Boniface Sinjen and Henry Wesley, two sons of the Jen community, who executed the projects as a way of giving back to their Community.

"I am here today to celebrate two senior officers of the Nigeria army, Major Generals Boniface Sinjen and Henry Wesley, and I thank Governor Agbu Kefas for not only coming to identify with his primary constituency but also coming with the high-powered delegation from the state.

"The two Senior Officers in the Nigeria army, we are here to Honour you today, because you have made remarkable achievements in the Nigeria army through your over three decades of discipline, diligence and dedicated service within and outside the shores of our beloved country.

"Your years of unblemished services both locally and internationally admiration and it is the recognition of their contributions that we have gathered here today, to commission a couple of Chief of Army Staff, Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects.

"Nigeria army sees the people of Nigeria as critical partners in progress. This consciousness is a crucial factor in sustaining the yearning of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects under our Civil-Military Cooperation line of efforts.

"Our projects are always conceptualized and executed to compliment the government effort in providing top-notch basic amenities and infrastructures for the people of Nigeria. 

"Nigeria Army is not out to compete with any level of government, political or socio-cultural entity and also the idea of our projects is not to give any undue political advantage to our senior officers but rather to compliment the government and communities efforts at enhancing the quality of life of our people", he said.

The Army Chief while appreciating the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the projects for the purpose they are meant for.

In his address, the Chief of Operations, Major General Boniface Sinjen stated that the project was part of the  COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project, approved and funded by the COAS to give succour to communities in need. 

He said that the acts of benevolence over the years have helped galvanize the needed support from citizens, as force multipliers for troops combating insecurity in troubled parts of the country,  noting that the centre is expected to nurture and cultivate athletes, empowering them to represent Jen community at both the state and the national levels.

Speaking at the occasion, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas lauded the chief of army staff's initiative and stressed that the projects would go a long way to cement civil-military relationship.

"These products are the initiative of the Chief of Army Staff to add value to the community and to carry out special responsibility to encourage military and civilian relationships in combating insecurity in our country.

"I want to use this opportunity and thank the chief of army staff for the confidence he reposed on our sons in Taraba, last year, most of our sons benefited from the last promotion, one major general was promoted in recognition and the love the chief of army staff has for us in Taraba.

"I want to assure the people of Karim-Lamido that my administration will give special attention to Karim-Lamido local government, before my next campaign, I believe that the road from Jalingo to Karim-Lamido would have been finished", he said.
Our correspondent reports that the two projects, sponsored by the office of the COAS, are a Sports and Cultural Center, as well as a Multi-Purpose Center. 

The Sports and Cultural Centre is named after Major General Boniface Robert Sinjen, has standard Basketball and Volleyball courts, a Football pitch, with two pavilions of 500 seating capacity, as well as a Museum and a Conference hall with offices.
The other is  Major General Henry Tafida Wesley Multipurpose Centre.

May Day: Gov Kefas restates commitment to worker's welfare

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas on Wednesday, renewed his administration's commitment to giving the welfare of workers an utmost priority despite the dwindling resources occasioned by the economic downturn in the country.

Kefas disclosed this at the Jolly Nyame Stadium Jalingo, during the Worker's Day celebration with a theme, "People's Faith".

Assuring workers of his administration's readiness, said the government did not allow economic challenges to stop it from giving a lift to their welfare and that of the retirees in the State.

"Workers are the backbone of our society, tirelessly dedicated to their time, skills and efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of our economy and the provision of essential services for our people.

"Without the hard work and dedication of our workers, Taraba State will not be where we are today, as your caring father, I am actually aware of the importance of ensuring the welfare, safety professional development of our workforce, it is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that promote job satisfaction, fair compensation and opportunity for career advancement.

"My administration has prioritised aimed welfare of workers in Taraba State, we have implemented policies aimed at improving workers' condition, we have provided access to quality health care and ensuring timely payment of salaries and benefits.

"We have invested in bringing our capacity building programme, to enhance the skills and competency of our workforce, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency across all sectors", he said.

While noting that the administration values the input of the workers to the socio-economic development of the State, Kefas noted that the achievements recorded by his government within the short period would not have been possible without the support of the civil servants.

Speaking earlier, State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Peter Jediel his Trade Union Congress TUC, and counterpart, Mr Sule Abasu, all commended Governor Agbu Kefas's administration for its demonstration of steadfast commitment to Worker's well-being through regular payment of salaries, capacity building, free education programme and provision of an environment conducive to work.