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TOURISM: FG, Taraba Sign MoU to Establish Cultural Village in Takum.

By Jako Keke, April 19,2026. The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Taraba State Government for the establishment of a cultural village in the state as part of efforts to boost tourism and promote economic diversification. The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Takum Local Government Area, where the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the initiative was designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil by harnessing tourism as a driver of economic growth and increased contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Musawa said the project aligns with the development vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Taraba holds strong potential as a destination for cultural heritage preservation and tourism investment. The minister commended Taraba’s cultural diversity and natural endowments, recalling her experience at the Nwonyo Fishing Festival, which she described as a...

FAITH:Taraba Governor’s Aide Urges Hope, Peaceful Coexistence in Easter Message.

By Jako Keke April 19, 2026. The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians and residents of the state to embrace hope, unity and peaceful coexistence, drawing inspiration from the Easter message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a message issued on Sunday, Fr. Muke reflected on the Gospel reading from Luke 24:13–35, popularly known as the Emmaus journey, describing it as a reminder that God remains present even in moments of doubt, disappointment and uncertainty. He noted that the encounter between the two disciples and the Risen Christ, though initially unrecognised, demonstrates God’s abiding guidance and the transformative power of faith. According to him, just as the disciples’ sorrow turned into joy when their eyes were opened in the breaking of bread, believers should remain steadfast in God’s Word and fellowship, trusting in His power to turn struggles into streng...

GBV: Taraba L-PRES Projects Undergo GBV Compliance Assessment.

Culled from L-PRES Page by Our Correspondent, April 18, 2026. The Taraba State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) compliance assessment across its project sites to ensure adherence to safeguarding standards and protect vulnerable groups. The assessment was led by the Gender and GBV Officer of the project, Mrs. Rahab Machoko, alongside a team from the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), under the guidance of the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert. The inspection focused on ongoing construction activities in various locations across the state, with emphasis on compliance with GBV prevention measures, workplace safety, and the protection of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable community members. Officials said the exercise was part of efforts to ensure all L-PRES interventions are implemented in safe, inclusive and abuse-free environments. During t...

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 ...

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 ...