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ELECTION: INEC Reshuffles Taraba Leadership as Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris Takes Over as REC.

By Jako Keke, April 17, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a change in leadership at its Taraba State office following a recent redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country. In a press release issued in Jalingo, INEC confirmed that Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris has assumed duty as the 22nd Resident Electoral Commissioner for Taraba State. His appointment took effect on April 15, 2026. Dr. Idris takes over from Alhaji Umar Mukhtar Gajiram, who has been redeployed to Gombe State. Prior to his redeployment, Dr. Idris served as REC in Gombe State, where he was credited with providing strategic leadership and strengthening electoral administration in line with the Commission’s mandate. A seasoned administrator and academic, Dr. Idris brings over three decades of experience in the Nigerian public service, with expertise in training, capacity development, and institutional management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree ...
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POLITICS: Hon.Dadason Declares for Gassol II Assembly Seat, Unveils Development Agenda.

By Jako Keke, April 17, 2026. A frontline aspirant for the Gassol II State Constituency seat in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Japheth Ezekiel Dadason, has formally declared his intention to contest, pledging to pursue a people-oriented agenda anchored on development and youth empowerment. Dadason made the declaration in a statement addressed to youths, supporters, and residents of the constituency, where he emphasised his commitment to redefining the political landscape and delivering responsive representation. According to the aspirant, his decision to join the race was driven not by personal gain but by a desire to “change the narrative” of politics in the area through purposeful leadership and accountability. “I stand before you today to declare my interest to contest for the seat of member representing Gassol II State Constituency. My aspiration is not to enrich myself or seek personal glory, but to transform the political atmosphere and deliver meaningful ch...

FG: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32trn 2026 Budget, Extends 2025 Spending Timeline.

By Jako Keke, April 17, 2026. President has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling ₦68.32 trillion, while also approving an extension of the 2025 budget implementation period to June 30, 2026. The newly assented 2026 budget provides ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing. Recurrent expenditure is pegged at ₦15.4 trillion, while ₦32.2 trillion is allocated to the Development Fund for capital projects. According to a State House statement, the budget places significant emphasis on capital expenditure, which accounts for approximately 50 per cent of the total outlay. This, the Presidency noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to economic stability, infrastructure development, national security, and inclusive growth. The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the lifespan of the capital component of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026. The exte...

CONVENTION: Women in Politics Group Sets for Convention in Jalingo

By Jako Keke, April 16, 2026. A women-focused political advocacy group, North-East Women in Politics Frontiers (NEWIPF), Taraba State chapter, has concluded plans to hold a convention and endorsement programme aimed at boosting women’s participation in politics across the state. In a statement, the State Coordinator of the group, Honourable Queen Moanya Fwani, said the event is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Patient Event Centre in Jalingo, with activities expected to commence by 10:00 a.m. The convention, themed “Women Rising Together,” is designed to highlight the increasing role and collective strength of women in leadership and governance. Organisers noted that the programme would provide a platform for women across Taraba State to unite, strategise and amplify their voices within the political space. Dignitaries expected at the event include the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; his wife, Mrs. Agyin Kefas; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Honourable Mary Sinjen; and...

2027 Race: Hon Princess Leah Solomon Pushes Women’s Agenda, Declares for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Reps Seat.

By our Correspondent, April 15, 2026. A frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, Hon. Princess Leah Olusuyi Solomon, has formally declared her intention to contest in the 2027 general elections, pledging to prioritise women’s development and inclusive growth across the constituency. Solomon made the declaration on Wednesday during a meeting with executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zing Local Government Area, where she received what she described as a warm reception and encouraging signals of support from party stakeholders. Addressing party officials, the aspirant said her decision to join the race was driven by a desire to reposition the constituency through people-oriented policies, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth. She called on party leaders and constituents to support her bid, stressing that the time had come to entrust leadership to women for more balanced and responsive ...

INSECURITY: Plateau Govt Further Relaxes Curfew in Jos North

By Jako Keke, April 15, 2026. The Plateau State Government has announced a further relaxation of the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following improvements in the security situation. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the decision was taken in consultation with security agencies after a review of conditions in the area. According to the statement, the curfew will now run from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, effective from April 15, 2026. Residents of Jos North and surrounding communities were advised to strictly comply with the adjusted curfew hours, as security agencies continue to monitor the situation. The government commended citizens for their cooperation, noting that their support has contributed significantly to the restoration of relative peace in the area. It also urged residents to sustain the spirit of collaboration by remaining law-abiding and vigilant, while promptly r...

ENVIRONMENT: Kefas Flags Off Ndibam Erosion Control Project in Takum.

By Jako Keke, April 13, 2026. The Taraba State Government has flagged off the Ndibam Gully Erosion Control Project in Takum Local Government Area as part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation and mitigate the effects of climate change. The ceremony, held on Monday, April 13, 2026, was performed on behalf of Governor Agbu Kefas by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena. Speaking at the event, the Speaker conveyed the governor’s message to the people, explaining that although Governor Kefas had intended to attend in person, he was unavoidably engaged in other official duties. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving the resilience of vulnerable communities. Bonzena noted that the project forms part of a broader strategy by the state government to protect communities, preserve farmlands, safeguard infrastructure and enhance livelihoods across Taraba. He added that T...

FESTIVAL: Taraba Fixes April 17–18 for Nwonyo Fishing Festival, Tinubu, Mahama Headline Event.

By Jako Keke, April 13, 2026. The Taraba State Government has fixed April 17 and 18, 2026, for the annual Nwonyo Traditional Fishing Festival, as part of efforts to promote cultural heritage and tourism potential in the state. Speaking at a press conference, Lynn Adda, on behalf of the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Barrister Danjuma Adamu, said the event was approved by Governor Agbu Kefas. Adda noted that the festival remains a key cultural showcase aimed at projecting the rich traditions of the people of Taraba State to the global community. According to the programme, activities will commence on Friday, April 17, with the Jukun Youth Day celebration at the Aku Uka Palace in Wukari. The event, scheduled for 9 a.m., will feature cultural displays, march past and procession highlighting the heritage of the Jukun people. A keynote address will be delivered by Simon Bako Lalong, Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, on the theme, “Rooted in Cultur...

FAITH: Cleric Urges Faithful to Embrace Peace, Mercy Amid Challenges

By Jako Keke, April 12, 2026. JALINGO — Christians have been urged to deepen their faith and become agents of peace and mercy in their communities, as they mark the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. In a message issued on Sunday, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, reflected on the Gospel of John 20:19–31, which recounts the appearance of the risen Christ to His disciples. He noted that the message of Christ, “Peace be with you,” delivered in the midst of fear and uncertainty, remains relevant in today’s world, where many face anxiety, division, and doubt. Drawing from the encounter between Jesus and Thomas, Fr. Muke emphasized that faith can endure moments of doubt, adding that Christ responds with patience and mercy rather than condemnation. “Thomas’ experience reminds us that belief is often a journey. Christ meets us where we are and calls us to grow in deeper trust, jus...