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SPECIAL REPORT: Calls for Transparency as Taraba Governor’s ₦100 Million LGA Intervention Draws Praise, Doubts.

By Charles Damain Tingah, February 11,2026. The recent donation of ₦100 million to Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Taraba State by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has sparked widespread debate across the state, drawing both commendation and caution from citizens, stakeholders, and community groups. Announced as part of efforts to stimulate grassroots development and address long-standing infrastructure challenges, the intervention fund is being described by supporters as timely and potentially transformative. However, critics and concerned observers warn that without strict accountability and monitoring, the funds risk being mismanaged — a pattern they say has undermined similar interventions in the past. Across several LGAs, reactions have remained mixed but intense, reflecting both hope and skepticism about the initiative’s eventual impact. Many residents and civil society voices praised the governor’s move, calling it a bold step toward revitalizing neglected rural communit...
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From Yola to Global Laboratories: The Academic Journey of Professor Benjamin Kefas, FUW’s New Vice Chancellor.

By Jako Keke, February 11,2026. When the Federal University Wukari (FUW) announced Professor Benjamin Kefas as its new Vice Chancellor, the decision was widely seen as more than a routine administrative appointment. It marked the rise of a scholar whose academic and research journey spans continents, disciplines, and some of the world’s most respected institutions in medicine and pharmaceutical sciences. A closer look at Professor Kefas’ academic progression reveals a career built on intellectual discipline, global exposure, and deep scientific specialization — qualities many believe will shape the future direction of the university. Born on June 12, 1970, Professor Kefas’ early academic promise was evident from the start. He completed his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certification in 1989 and proceeded immediately to the College of Preliminary Studies (CPS), Yola, the same year. That foundational period prepared him for entry into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU),...
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HUMANITY: Kunzang Community in Yorro LGA Cries Out Over Decade-Long Lack of Clean Water.

By our Correspondent, February 11,2026. Residents of Kunzang community in Kassa A Ward of Yorro Local Government Area have raised an urgent alarm over the prolonged lack of access to clean and safe drinking water, calling on government authorities, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropists to intervene. A concerned indigene of the community, Mr. Judah Jacob, made the appeal in a public statement, describing the water situation as dire and long-standing. According to him, the community has endured more than ten years of water scarcity, forcing residents to rely on unsafe sources for their daily needs. He noted that the situation has exposed families to serious health risks and created persistent hardship, particularly for women and children who often travel long distances in search of water. “For over a decade, our community has struggled with lack of access to clean water. This has caused immense hardship and health risks,” he said. “We are pleading for urgent...
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RELIGION : Faith Leaders Sound Alarm: “Religion Must Not Be Weaponized” — Interfaith Council Rallies Nigeria Toward Unity and Peace.

By Jako Keke, February 11,2026. Religious leaders under the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace have called for urgent national unity and responsible faith-based leadership, warning that religion must never be used as a tool for division, hate, or violence in Nigeria. The charge was delivered by the Co-Chair of the Forum, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman Jr., during his opening address at the First Quarter Executive Council Meeting of the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace held at Ajuji Greenwich Hotel, Gudu District, Apo, Abuja. Addressing distinguished clerics, council members, and peacebuilding partners, Rev. Hamman said the gathering came at a critical time when Nigeria faces persistent security threats, social tensions, economic pressures, and political uncertainty. He described the meeting as a strong signal that unity across faith lines remains both possible and necessary. “We gather not merely as representatives of different faith traditions, but as custodians of hope...
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LEGAL: Appeal Court Backs Senate, Upholds Six-Month Suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

By our Judicial Correspondent, February 10,2026. The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate, affirming that the legislative chamber acted within its constitutional authority to discipline its members. In a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday, a three-member panel led by Hon. Justice Abba B. Mohammed ruled that the Senate’s action was consistent with its internal rules and procedures and did not violate the senator’s fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges. The appellate court struck out the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, holding that it lacks jurisdiction to interfere in the internal proceedings of the legislature. The panel emphasized that the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to regulate its own procedures and enforce discipline among its members. According to the judgment, the Senate did not breach the law by re-allocating the senator’s seat, restricting her ...
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EDUCATION: Taraba Sets Aside ₦2bn for Convocations in State Tertiary Institutions.

By our Correspondent, February 10,2026. The Taraba State Government has earmarked ₦2 billion for the conduct of convocation ceremonies across all state-owned tertiary institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening academic recognition and promoting excellence in higher education. Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, disclosed this in an interview, reaffirming the commitment of Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration to advancing the education sector in the state. According to Dr. Jen, the allocated funds will enable institutions to organize proper convocation ceremonies where graduating students will receive their certificates and outstanding performers will be honored with awards of merit for academic excellence. He noted that the initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to reposition tertiary education and expand access to quality learning for the people of Taraba State. The Commissioner added that the government remains focused on introducing ...
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CHURCH:Bishop Ande Emmanuel Inspects Ebenezer UMC Building Project in Yaoundé, Secures Major Funding Boost.

By Jako Keke, February 10, 2026. The Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Nigeria Episcopal Area, Senegal and Cameroon Districts, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, has inspected the ongoing four-storey building project of the Ebenezer Community United Methodist Church in Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon. The inspection took place immediately after the district conference held on Monday, February 2, 2002. The project, which had reportedly remained stagnant for decades, is now witnessing renewed progress following Bishop Ande Emmanuel’s emergence into the Episcopacy, church officials said. The building project recently received a significant financial boost, with over $100,000 in grants allocated by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) following the Bishop’s recommendation. Church leaders described the funding as a remarkable milestone for the Ebenezer Community UMC and a major step toward completing the long-delayed structure. Speaking during the visit, Rev. (Dr.) ...
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APPOINTMENT:PSN Taraba Congratulates Prof. Benjamin Kefas on Appointment as Vice Chancellor of Federal University Wukari.

By Jako Keke, February 10,2026. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Taraba State Branch, has congratulated Pharm. (Prof.) Benjamin Kefas on his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari (FUW), describing the development as well-deserved and a source of pride to the state and the nation. In a congratulatory message signed by the State Chairman, Pharm. Nyajon Denis Ayetop FPCPharm, the society praised Prof. Kefas as a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Pharmacy, noting that his global academic accomplishments have continued to bring honor to Taraba State and Nigeria. The PSN highlighted Prof. Kefas’ attainment of a Professorship at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA, as evidence of his scholarly excellence, leadership strength, and commitment to advancing knowledge and research. According to the statement, his emergence as Vice Chancellor followed a rigorous screening process and established appointment protocols, wh...
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EDUCATION: Prof. Benjamin Kefas Appointed New Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Wukari.

By our Correspondent. February 10,2026. The Governing Council of the Federal University Wukari (FUW), Taraba State, has announced the appointment of Professor Benjamin Kefas as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution. The announcement was made on Sunday, February 9, 2026, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Lysa Ade Bello, during an emergency council sitting held at the Secretariat of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities in Abuja. According to the Council, Professor Kefas will serve a single term of five years as Vice-Chancellor, in line with the university’s governing regulations. His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of academic leadership and administrative direction for the university.
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