Jalingo Times.

By Jako Keke, December 28, 2025. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s military capacity rather than rely on direct military intervention from the United States. Dr. Awoshiri made the call in an interview with journalists shortly after an interdenominational combined church service held to mark the Christmas celebration at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Dorowa, in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. According to the CAN chairman, Nigeria possesses well-trained and capable security personnel who are adequately equipped to confront security challenges facing the country if given the necessary political will and logistical support. He recalled the historic role played by the Nigerian military in peacekeeping missions across Africa, citing operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others, as clear evidence of the country’s military s...

By Jako Keke, December 26,2025. Former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Dr. Jolly Nyame, has expressed concern over what he described as growing disrespect from some individuals he mentored and supported during his years of public service. Nyame, the first civilian governor of the state, spoke in Jalingo while reflecting on activities marking his 70th birthday anniversary. He thanked God for the grace to attain the milestone, describing it as a platinum jubilee worthy of gratitude. The former governor said that during his tenure, he contributed significantly to the growth of many individuals, raising them “from scratch” to prominent positions in society. He, however, lamented that some of those he nurtured no longer accord him the respect he expected. “At seventy, one of the most painful experiences of my life is the open disrespect to my person by people I helped to build,” Nyame said. “There are many who cannot deny that they are products of my mentoring and support...

By Jako, December 25,2025. Christians and people of goodwill in Taraba State have been urged to embrace peace, unity and compassion as they celebrate Christmas. The call was made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, in his Christmas message to the people of the state. Fr. Muke said the celebration of Christmas reflects the message contained in the Gospel of John 1:1–18, which speaks of the eternal Word of God becoming flesh to bring light that overcomes darkness. According to him, the birth of Jesus Christ is a reminder of God’s profound love for humanity and the gift of grace, truth and new life. He noted that the Christmas season calls on believers to welcome the light of Christ, walk in love and humility, and serve as instruments of peace within their communities. The governor’s aide encouraged Christians and residents of Taraba State to use the festive period to promote unity, mutual understanding and p...

By Jako Keke, December 24,2025. The Taraba State House of Assembly has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Governor Agbu Kefas, top government officials, traditional rulers and the people of the state, while reaffirming its commitment to people-oriented legislation and support for the state’s development agenda. In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the Principal Officers, Honourable Members, Clerk, management and staff of the House, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, congratulated Governor Kefas, his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu A. Alkali, the Chief Judge, the Secretary to the State Government, members of the Executive Council, distinguished traditional rulers and other stakeholders on the celebration of Christmas and the approaching New Year. Bonzena said the festive season was a time to reflect on love, peace and unity, praying that joy and harmony would continue to fill homes and communities across Taraba State. Reflecting on the past year, the Spe...

By Jako Keke, December 24,2025. The Adamawa State Civil Service Commission has invalidated all appointment letters earlier issued to applicants in the ongoing 2025 civil service recruitment exercise. The Commission made this known in a statement, explaining that the decision affects all appointment letters, including those that are yet to be collected by applicants. According to the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission, Abubakar Umar Maiha., the action followed recent reports as well as a comprehensive review of internal administrative processes within the Commission, which revealed irregularities in the recruitment exercise. It disclosed that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has directed the Commission to revert to the original list of successful candidates earlier published online weeks ago, in order to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the recruitment process. The Governor also ordered a thorough investiga...

By Jako Keke, December 24,2025. The Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNMS), Taraba State Council, Comrade Pius Nathaniel Merigi, has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and other top government officials. In a Christmas message made available to newsmen in Jalingo, Comrade Merigi congratulated the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, members of the State Assembly, Commissioners, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, the Head of the Civil Service, Permanent Secretaries, and the entire state workforce on the successful celebration of the 2025 yuletide. He described Christmas as a season that symbolizes love, sacrifice, peace, and hope, and urged leaders and citizens of the state to use the festive period to reflect on the values of unity, tolerance, a...

By Jako, December 24,2025. Tarabans have been urged to embrace peace and harmony during the yuletide celebrations. The call was made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Taraba State Wing, Comrade Nathan Solomon, during an interview with our correspondent. Comrade Solomon noted that Christmas symbolizes love, care, and compassion, stressing the importance of reaching out to the less privileged in society.  He therefore encouraged residents of the state to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the festive period. While wishing Tarabans a joyful and peaceful yuletide celebration, the NUT Chairman also appealed to citizens to pray for the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and members of his cabinet. According to him, such prayers will provide divine guidance and wisdom to the governor in the implementation of his developmental agenda for the state.

Jalingo, December 21, 2025 The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, Hon. Moses Maihankali, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, and Christians across the state as they celebrate the 2025 Christmas season. In a Christmas message made available to newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday, Maihankali also congratulated the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps; the Head of Service; members of the Taraba State House of Assembly; commissioners; permanent secretaries; and traditional rulers for their collective roles in sustaining peace, stability, and development in the state. The ALGON chairman commended Governor Kefas for what he described as his sterling, people-oriented leadership, noting that the administration has continued to demonstrate commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots develo...

By Our Correspondent Jalingo, Dec. 21, 2025 — The Executive Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, Hon. Moses Maihankali, has extended warm Christmas and New Year felicitations to Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali. In a statement issued on Sunday, Hon. Maihankali, on behalf of his political associates, friends and family, also congratulated other top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps; the Head of Service; members of the State House of Assembly; Commissioners; Permanent Secretaries; traditional rulers; as well as the Christian community across the state. The Kurmi council boss, who doubles as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, commended Governor Kefas’ administration for what he described as its developmental strides and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfar...

By Jako Keke, December 22,2025. Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader linked to several kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue–Taraba axis. The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was arrested on 21 December 2025 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Military sources described Gayama as a high-value target who has been on the watchlist of security agencies for a long time. Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspect is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and T...

By Jako Keke, December 21,2025. Concerned supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kaka Nation have called on Alhaji Bashir Bakari to contest for the Nguroje State House of Assembly seat, describing him as the most capable candidate to represent the interests of the area. Addressing journalists at a press conference, the group, under the banner of Concerned APC Kaka Supporters, said the call became necessary in view of the need for purposeful and people-oriented representation in the Taraba State House of Assembly. Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Wilson Joji said Alhaji Bashir Bakari, an illustrious son of Kaka Nation, possesses the experience, credibility and leadership qualities required to reposition the constituency.  He noted that Bakari’s track record as Chairman of the Taraba State Hotel and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fast Track Hotels Ltd stands him out as a successful businessman with both local and international exposure. ...

By Jako Keke, December 21,2025. The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, Hon. Moses Maihankali, has affirmed his readiness to reposition the association for effective service delivery and stronger collaboration with the state government. Maihankali, who also serves as Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, made the assertion during an interview with journalists in Jalingo, where he pledged to ensure proper coordination of ALGON activities across the state.   He stressed that the association under his leadership would work in harmony with the policies and development agenda of the Governor Agbu Kefas–led administration. The ALGON chairman expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them that he would not betray the trust. He called on council chairmen across the state to give him maximum support in order to collectively move the association forward. Maihankali also lauded Gov...

By Jako Keke, December 20,2025. The Provost of the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, Dr. Dorcas Dugule, has reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment to producing disciplined and highly qualified health professionals for the state and the nation at large. Dr. Dugule made this known in an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo, where she emphasized that discipline remains a cornerstone of the college’s policies and operations. She stressed that students must strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the institution to achieve academic excellence and professional competence. . According to the Provost, students have been repeatedly cautioned to shun examination malpractice, gangsterism, and other social vices capable of undermining their future careers and the reputation of the college. She noted that such negative behaviours are incompatible with the ethics of the nursing and midwifery professions. Dr. Dugule further reminded st...

By Jako Keke, December 19, 2025. Taraba-born international footballer, Stephen Alfred, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots sports development by donating football boots to youths in Jalingo during a novelty match staged in the state capital. The thrilling encounter, tagged Team Stephen vs Team Jalingo, was played at the popular C2C Football Pitch and attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts, sports stakeholders and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Taraba State Chapter, among others. At the end of the highly competitive fixture, Team Stephen edged Team Jalingo 4–3, drawing cheers from spectators who applauded the display of skill, passion and sportsmanship by both sides. Speaking with journalists after the match, Stephen Alfred, who also organised the event, explained that the novelty game was aimed at reuniting former playmates and identifying young, talented footballers, while using the platform to promote unity and re...

By Jako Keke, December 19,2025. As governments of the 19 northern states enforce a one-month suspension of mining activities to enable comprehensive safety audits, stakeholders have called on the Taraba State Government to urgently develop clear, transparent and enforceable mining guidelines to safeguard host communities and the environment. In a press statement signed by Dr. Joseph Gimba, North-East Zonal Coordinator of the Resource Justice Network, Nigeria, said Taraba endowed with vast mineral resources but vulnerable to unregulated extraction must seize the opportunity presented by the temporary ban to put in place a robust sub-national mining framework. The group noted that unregulated artisanal mining has continued to fuel land degradation, water pollution and communal conflicts across several local government areas in the state.  According to the statement, clear guidelines would establish licensing standards, health and safety protocols, and benefit-...

By Jako Keke, December 19,2025. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has been described as a business-friendly leader whose policies have created an enabling environment for investment and enterprise in the state. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,CEO of Next Tsaraba Bakery and Water Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sunday Haruna, made the assertion in an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo, noting that the present administration has adopted policies that are supportive of business growth and sustainability. Mr. Haruna explained that having operated and conducted business in different parts of the country and beyond, Taraba State stands out as one of the most conducive environments for smooth business operations. He attributed this to the investor-friendly disposition of the state government under Governor Kefas. He disclosed that in a bid to contribute to job creation and reduce unemployment among youths, Next Tsaraba Factory has employed over 200 job seekers. Accordi...

By Jako Keke, December 19,2025. The decision of Governor Agbu Kefas to pitch his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been described as a strategic move aimed at accelerating development in Taraba State. The Secretary of the APC in Taraba State, Hon. Fidelis Francis, stated this in an interview with journalists, noting that the governor’s entry into the ruling party at the centre would open up greater opportunities for growth and progress in the state. Hon. Francis expressed optimism that the decision would translate into tangible dividends of democracy for the people, particularly through improved collaboration with the Federal Government in key sectors such as infrastructure, security, education and economic development. According to him, Taraba State now stands to benefit from a stronger and more productive working relationship with the Federal Government, which he said would enhance the delivery of development projects across the state. The APC ...

By Jako, December 18, 2025. The Southern Taraba Academics’ Forum (STAF) has announced plans to hold its 2025 Annual Summit with a focus on promoting sustainable development and empowerment in Southern Taraba. The summit, themed “Sustainable Development and Empowerment in Southern Taraba: Addressing Insecurity, Poverty and Educational Challenges,” is scheduled for Monday, 29th December, 2025, by 10:00am at the 1,000-Capacity Auditorium, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State. According to the organisers, the summit is designed to bring together academics, policymakers, traditional rulers and key stakeholders to deliberate on practical solutions to insecurity, poverty and educational challenges confronting Southern Taraba and the state at large. The Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, will serve as the Chief Host, while the Vice-Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Prof. Shishi Zhema, is the Principal Host. Expected guest speakers at the summit inc...

By Jako, December 17, 2025. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Taraba State Council, on Monday joined its counterparts across the country in a nationwide protest to demand improved security and protection of lives and property from the government. Members of the union converged at the NLC Secretariat in Jalingo, where the Chairman of the NLC in Taraba State, Comrade Jediel Peter, described the worsening state of insecurity in the country as alarming and unacceptable. Comrade Peter, who recounted his own experience of being kidnapped twice in previous years, said Nigerians are no longer safe in their own country. He called on the government to take decisive steps against both state and non-state actors fueling insecurity, stressing that restoring safety is critical to preserving the nation’s dignity. He noted that the persistent wave of kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities has continued to instill fear among citizens, undermining confidence in governance ...

By Jako, December 15, 2025. The Taraba State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law following its third reading during plenary. The bill was passed after a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Jethro Yakubu Zikengyu, paving the way for the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, to present the committee’s report on the floor of the House. Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdullaziz Titong, disclosed that the budget size was increased from ₦650.631 billion to ₦653.631 billion. He explained that the upward review was to accommodate additional government projects aimed at accelerating development across the state. Hon. Titong commended the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for its vision and commitment to repositioning Taraba State for greater socio-economic growth. He added that the ₦3 billion increase in the budget would be financed through commercial borrowing. Contributing to the debate, the member repr...

By Jako, December 15, 2025. The Chairman of the Northeast Business Forum for Atiku, Taraba State Chapter, Danjuma Yusuf Lamu, has raised concerns over the severe losses currently faced by grain buyers and farmers across the state following a sudden slump in the prices of farm produce. Yusuf, who also serves as the Executive Director of Jabbulawa Nigeria Limited—a company engaged in the purchase of grains and sesame seeds—spoke during an interview with our reporter.  He noted that the recent price slash announced by the Federal Government has continued to threaten the survival of their businesses and the livelihood of farmers. According to him, the price of soybeans has witnessed an alarming drop. “Only last week, we bought a bag of soybeans for ₦49,000. Today, the same bag goes for ₦30,000. This is a huge loss for us,” he lamented. Yusuf, who is also the Dan’Iyan of Kaigama Chiefdom, further disclosed that the price of maize has collapsed to ₦15,000 per bag at the M...

By Jako, December 14, 2025. The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has formally cemented his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the official receipt of his party membership card. The card was presented to the Governor by the Chairman of APC Hospital Ward in Wukari Local Government Area, Umaru Tanko, during a brief ceremony held at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. Speaking after receiving the card, Governor Kefas said the registration had officially validated his status as a member of the APC, enabling him to participate fully in all party activities. He disclosed that the earlier postponed official defection ceremony would be rescheduled and held at a later date. Presenting the card, Umaru Tanko described the Governor as a bona fide member of the APC, adding that the party was pleased to formally welcome him into its fold. Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo, confirmed that Govern...

By Jako, December 14,2025. The Honourable Member representing Demsa, Numan and Lamurde Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Kwamoti B. Laori, has paid a sympathy visit to victims of the recent communal clash currently taking shelter at the Gamadio Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp. The lawmaker was accompanied by the Executive Chairman of Numan Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Koto Bware Vulpi, as well as other government officials. During the visit, Rt. Hon. Laori expressed deep concern over the incident, commiserating with the displaced persons and condemning the senseless loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the crisis. The Gamadio IDP Camp is presently hosting residents of Waduku community who were forced to flee their homes following the communal unrest. In a demonstration of solidarity and compassion, Rt. Hon. Laori donated relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the displaced persons and support them in coping with the challeng...