Jalingo Times.

As November election draws closer, Bishop Ande Emmanuel says the church’s process—not personal endorsement—will determine the new Bishop. By Keke Jako, Religion Correspondent, August 28, 2026. In church politics, succession is rarely just about who occupies a seat. It is often about influence, continuity, trust, theology, administration and, sometimes, the direction an institution takes after a change of leadership. That reality is beginning to unfold within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) as the denomination prepares for the election of a new Bishop for its newly created Episcopal Area. With November approaching, speculation over possible successors has intensified, with names of senior clergy increasingly featuring in conversations among church members and stakeholders. But one man whose endorsement could potentially influence the contest has publicly denied throwing his weight behind any aspirant. Bishop Ande Emmanuel, who currently provides episcopal leadershi...

By Jako Keke , August 28, 2026. Church leaders have been urged to take deliberate steps to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in their communities, rather than limiting their responsibilities to preaching the gospel. The Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, covering Districts of Cameroon, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, made the call at the closing session of a five-day Roundtable Peace Talk held in Jalingo, Taraba State. Bishop Emmanuel said the role of church leaders extends beyond preaching, stressing that they must become active peace vanguards by promoting reconciliation, tolerance and unity in their various communities. He also called on traditional rulers to support the Church and government in their efforts to foster peaceful coexistence and stability in society. According to him, the five-day engagement had equipped UMCN church leaders with knowledge and practical skills which they are expected to transfer to mem...

By Keke Jako, August 28, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called for a deliberate shift from celebrating the state’s vast natural endowments to converting them into tangible prosperity and improved living standards for citizens. Kefas made the call on Thursday in Jalingo during a media briefing to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, with the theme, “Taraba at 35: Consolidating Progress, Confronting Today’s Challenges and Building for the Future.” The governor said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for the government to account for its stewardship, acknowledge outstanding challenges and clearly define the direction of the state. According to him, 35 years after the creation of Taraba on August 27, 1991, the central challenge is no longer to demonstrate that the state has potential, but to transform its abundant land, water, minerals, agricultural resources, livestock, forests, tourism assets and energy opportunities int...

By Political Correspondent, August 27, 2026. As Taraba State celebrates its 35th anniversary, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Taraba State Chapter, has called for stronger policies, greater social cohesion and deliberate investment in the state’s abundant natural and human resources to accelerate sustainable development. The Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Gimba Joseph, PhD, made the call in a statement marking the anniversary, describing Taraba as a state richly endowed with natural resources and diverse landscapes that have earned it the description, “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.” According to him, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for Tarabans to reflect on the state’s journey, celebrate its achievements, acknowledge existing challenges and develop strategies for a more prosperous future. Gimba noted that Taraba’s greatest asset remains its people, whom he described as resilient, proud of their heritage and committed to building a better fu...

As we celebrate our unity, resilience and rich natural heritage, I call on all Tarabans to join hands in protecting our environment and building a greener, safer and more prosperous state. In line with the directives of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, let us comply with and support the Greening Taraba agenda by planting and protecting trees, ending indiscriminate deforestation and bush burning, protecting our waterways, keeping our environment clean, and embracing climate-smart agriculture. The Governor’s directive is clear: our Climate Change Policy must move from policy to implementation and from programmes to measurable results.  I therefore urge all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Local Governments, traditional institutions, communities and citizens to play their part. Let us develop without destroying. Let us green Taraba together. Happy 35th Anniversary, Taraba State! Long live Taraba State! Long live Nigeria! Hon. Aishat A. Barde Commissioner, Ministry of Envi...

By Political Correspondent,  August 27, 2026. The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2027 Taraba State governorship election, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, has called for a new approach to governance capable of translating Taraba State’s abundant resources into sustainable economic opportunities for its people. Shiddi made the call in a statement marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, where he congratulated Tarabans at home and abroad and urged citizens to use the anniversary as an opportunity for both celebration and reflection. The APGA candidate acknowledged the resilience, diversity and contributions of Tarabans over the past 35 years, commending past leaders, traditional institutions, civil servants, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, security personnel and young people for their roles in the development of the state. According to him, Taraba’s 35th anniversary should prompt a ...

By Jako Keke,  August 27, 2026. The President of the Ex-Army Pikin Association (EAPA), Taraba State Chapter, Sunday Stephen, Esq., has congratulated the people of Taraba State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the state’s resilience, diversity and achievements. In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Stephen extended warm felicitations to Tarabans and reflected on the journey of the state over the past 35 years. He noted that Taraba has recorded significant progress and development across various sectors, while its rich cultural heritage, vast natural resources and diverse communities continue to distinguish it as a unique state. The EAPA President commended the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as its efforts to advance development in key sectors, particularly agriculture, education and healthcare. He also applauded initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and pea...

By Jako Keke,  August 27, 2026. The Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Taraba State Council, Comrade Nathaniel Pius Merigi, has felicitated with the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state. Comrade Merigi in a press statement also rejoiced with the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali; the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena; members of the State Legislature and Executive Council, as well as the Chairmen of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. He described the anniversary as an important moment for Tarabans to pause, reflect on the journey so far, celebrate achievements, and renew their commitment to the continued development and progress of the state. Comrade Merigi commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his leadership qualities and development-oriented initiatives, while calling for greater support for the...