Taraba NUJ Council mourns Assistant Secretary

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, Comrade Matthew Eliud Jen, on Monday l,ed members of the Council’s executive to condole with the family of the late Assistant Secretary of the Council, Jethro Saaior Yerga, who died in the early hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Jalingo.

Speaking during the visit to the deceased’s family and Worldview Chapel, Jen described Yerga’s death as a profound loss, not only to his immediate family but to the entire journalism profession in Taraba State.

He said the late Yerga was a hardworking, dedicated, and unassuming journalist whose contributions to the Union and the profession would be remembered for years to come.

Recalling Yerga’s pivotal role in the emergence of the current NUJ leadership in the state, Jen prayed for the repose of his soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

In his response, Dr. Benard Meer, a family member, alongside the publisher of Worldview Magazine, Mr. Williams Ayoosu, expressed gratitude to the NUJ for their show of solidarity and support during the difficult period.

The family announced that the late Jethro Yerga would be laid to rest on May 8, 2025, and invited friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to join in celebrating his life and legacy.

“As we say goodbye to a dear friend and colleague, we pray that his soul rests in peace and that his family finds the strength to navigate this difficult time. May his memory continue to be a blessing to us all,” Dr. Benard said.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the state. Hon. Justin Tyopuusu, Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy, in a condolence message, wrote, “May your soul rest in peace. You will always be remembered, my brother.”

Similarly, Comrade Abdullahi Gambo described Yerga as a rare gem, simply stating, “We lost a rare gen. RIP.”

The late Jethro u,ntil his death w,as the Editor of Worldview Magazine and a contributor with The BusinessDay Newspaper. He is survived by a wife, siblings and many relations.

ANI Foundation inaugurates centre, empowers 450 women in Adamawa

 

From Godwin, Jalingo

The Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation on Saturday empowered 450 women in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State with livelihood support and commissioned a Women’s Centre to boost economic activities in communities surrounding the Gashaka Gumti National Park.

The intervention that covers communities in the Gashaka/Gumti National Park, stretching from Taraba to Adamawa aims to promote community development through savings and loan groups, enabling women to access low-interest loans to start and expand their businesses.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, said the project would foster economic resilience among women and contribute to the stability of pastoral communities.

Goni, represented by the Assistant Conservator-General, Dr Mohammed Kabir, described the partnership between ANI Foundation and the National Park Service as a catalyst for transformation in the area.

“As we speak, over 100,000 cattle have been vaccinated across the Gashaka and Gumti sectors of the park, safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of households,” Goni said.

Deputy Project Manager of ANI Foundation, David Peter, explained that the Foundation’s work focuses on promoting sustainable development through direct community engagement.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Roshan Renewables, Happy Amos, disclosed that the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo had so far saved over N30 million with members accessing loans based on their needs.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent said the support had improved their lives significantly.

“My life has not remained the same since receiving support from ANI,” said Grace Emmanuel, a beneficiary.

Another woman, Florence Dauda, said, “The support has enabled us to access loans, produce, and sell products in our community and beyond.”

Our correspondent reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders, and featured a trade fair where the women showcased products made possible through the initiative.

Gov Kefas Charges NYSC Members to Contribute to Taraba's Growth

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has on Friday urged the 1,100 corps members deployed to the state to contribute to its growth and development. 

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff Government House Administration, Dr Emmanuel Hassan, Agbu made this call during the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream 1 Orientation Course for corps members.

The ceremony, held at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Sibre, Taraba State, was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Filibus Agya, represented by Justice Nuhu Adi.

Dr. Kefas emphasized the importance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in promoting national unity, integration, and discipline. He urged the corps members to remain disciplined, resourceful, and compliant with the camp rules and regulations.

"As a Corps Member, you must continue to distance yourself from cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices, I urge you to avoid using social media to spread fake news and fuel hatred and instead deploy same for the promotion of National Unity and development.

"My administration's Moving Forward" policy initiative aims to provide resources and personnel for the smooth implementation of the free education policy and rejuvenate private and public businesses.

"We have intensified action in the provision of the required resources and personnel needed for the smooth implementation of the free education policy in the state," Governor Kefas said. "We have made concerted efforts to rejuvenate some of the private and public businesses and job-creating enterprises in the state."

Dr Agbu Kefas urged the corps members to take advantage of the state's abundant resources and opportunities and contribute to its growth and development. He pledged the state government's readiness to support and partner with the corps members to enhance the well-being of the people.

He further commended the management, staff, and collaborating agencies for flagging off the orientation course seamlessly. He urged them to work as a team to achieve the desired success at the end of the program.

Speaking earlier, the Taraba State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Ella Aji Williams, thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for his support for the scheme and pledged the corps members' readiness to support the free education policy.

He advised corps members to remain law-abiding and security-conscious and adhere to the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance.

"I am happy to report that since the arrival of these corps members in the state, they have shown high enthusiasm, deep sense of Commitment and patriotism. I have no doubt that with the doggedness and discipline displayed thus far, they would make an impact on the development of the state in particular and the nation in general during this service year.

"To set the right path for their effective contribution to national Development, the NYSC management has strategically packaged lectures on topical national issues, leadership, security and Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development. Also, there will be para-military drills, endurance training and lectures on the culture, norms and traditions of the people of Taraba State," he said.

SSA on Sports, Ex-Badminton Champion Support Taraba Skating Team’s Trip to Calabar

 

By Henry Agbu 

The Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Agbu Kefas, Bom Williya Emmanuel and former African badminton champion, Bulus Jimkam, have extended financial support to the Taraba State Skating Association to enable their participation in an upcoming competition in Calabar.

The duo made the donation as a show of encouragement and commitment to the development of sports in the state. Their support is seen as a major boost to the team's morale ahead of the tournament, where Taraba is believed to have a strong chance of winning medals, thanks to the enthusiasm and readiness of its youth.

Speaking to journalists, SSA Bomwilliya Emmanuel urged the athletes to go all out and make the state proud. He charged them to be good ambassadors of Taraba and reminded them that Governor Agbu Kefas is solidly behind them.

“The governor believes in your potential. Be disciplined, stay focused, and remember you’re not just representing yourselves but the entire state,” Bom Williya said.

Also speaking, Bulus Jimkam lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for his passion for sports development. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bring home medals and bring glory to the state.

“The state has what it takes to succeed in national competitions. I believe in these athletes, and I know they will make us proud,” Jimkam added.

In his remarks, the team’s coach, Alexander Divine, expressed appreciation to the Gara Soyonga Nongha,SSA on sports services Christian Kotonti and the SSA on Youth Emmanuel George for their continued support of the Skating Association. He assured that the team is well-prepared and will not disappoint.

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Taraba NUJ rolls out activities to commemorate 2025 Press Week

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commenced activities marking its 2025 Press Week.

The annual event of Journalists in the state has just been reactivated after eight years it held last.

Friday 11th April 2025, which marked the first day of the plethora of events carefully lined up for the week was for Juma'at Prayers.

Journalists of Muslims faith accompanied by their christian colleagues, gathered at the TY Danjuma Mosque to give thanks to Allah and pray for the success of the event.

on Sunday, a special thanksgiving service was held at the Supreme King's Church Jalingo, where prayers rained on Journalists to enable them succeed in the discharge of their crucial roles in the society.

Addressing newsmen on Monday at a world press conference, the Central Planning Committee, led by its chairman, Alh Adamu Aso, disclosed that the event was aim at bringing together journalists, government officials, and other stakeholders to celebrate the profession and recognize the outstanding contributions of Journalists in nation building. 

He said "the occasion will offer opportunity for journalists to reflect on their role in shaping opinions and promoting Peaceful coexistence and development in the country".

Adamu Aso noted that several activities were carefully lined up for the week long celebration including a novelty football match between Nigeria Union of Women Journalists and men of the pen profession.

He said the event would also witness presentation of awards to distinguished personalities.

The CPC chairman revealed that Governor Agbu Kefas will receive the Security Man of the Year Award, while David Sabo Kente will bag the Philanthropist of the Year Award.

"Gen. Faransa (Rtd) will bag revenue man of the year award and other distinguished journalists will also be recognized for their excellence in journalism. 

"This recognition is a testament to the NUJ's commitment to promoting journalism excellence and recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

"NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting journalism excellence and protecting the rights of journalists in the state. The Press Week celebration is an opportunity for the union to engage with stakeholders and promote the welfare of journalists.

"We are proud to recognize these individuals for their outstanding work, and we hope that their examples will inspire others to strive for excellence." He stressed

Earlier, Chairman of NUJ Taraba State Council, Comrade Matthew Jen, appreciated the power of unity and thanked the planning committee for their hard work.

He noted that the Press Week celebration would be a fitting tribute to the NUJ's 70th anniversary year celebration, and it is expected to be a memorable occasion for all involved. 

"With the awards and other activities, the event will be a celebration of journalism excellence and a recognition of the important role that journalists play in the society". He added.

Tsoken Abe has emerged as Deputy President of NULGE in Taraba State.

 

By Henry Agbu 

Tsoken Abe from Wukari Local Government Area has emerged as Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Taraba State chapter.

His nomination followed a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Jalingo, where members unanimously endorsed him for the position. 

This development comes at the wake of the election of Yakubu Burba Tanko, the former Deputy President, to the position of National Welfare Officer of NULGE in Nigeria.

Prior to his nomination,Tsoken Abe was the State Auditor of NULGE in Taraba State and also former Chairman of NULGE Wukari Branch.

Tsoken Abe elevation will no doubt add impetus to NULGE in Taraba State in view of his wealth of experience and known for championing the welfare of workers.

In an interview,Tsoken Abe thanked all NULGE SEC members for the confidence reposed in him promising to support the president of NULGE,all officials and others in Taraba State.

He promised to give his best in the discharge of statutory responsibility.