Jalingo Times.

By Keke, January 21, 2026. A Senior Lecturer at the Taraba State College of Education, Zing, Dr. Olushola Sunday Ojo, has underscored the importance of sports and games in contemporary society, describing them as critical tools for education, social integration and national development. Dr. Ojo said beyond recreation, sports provide participants with opportunities to build physical competence, psychological resilience and essential social skills needed for personal and societal growth . He made this known while presenting a paper titled “The Significance of Coaching and Officiating in Sports and Games, and Techniques for Effective Coaching and Officiating” at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo. The resource person explained that coaching is primarily focused on athletes’ development, performance improvement and character formation, while officiating is responsible for ensuring fairness, safety and strict adherence to the rules of the game. According to him, coaches and offici...

By Jako Keke, January 21, 2026. Games masters in Taraba State have been urged to cultivate friendly and supportive relationships with young athletes to enhance their sports development and overall performance. The call was made by a member of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission and former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo, during a two-day seminar for games masters of primary and secondary schools within Jalingo metropolis. The seminar was held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo. Presenting a paper titled “Positive Impact of the Games Masters–Child Athletes Relationship in Primary and Secondary Schools in Taraba State,” Moyoyo said games masters play critical roles in mentoring young athletes and nurturing their interest in sporting activities. He identified key traits expected of games masters to include being supportive, encouraging and serving as positive role models capable of providing young athletes w...

By Jako Keke, January 20,2026.  The Chairman of the Taraba State Forum of Chief Executive Officers of Government Parastatals, Mr. David Nyah, has formally handed over the leadership of the forum to his Vice Chairman, Dr. Garba Muhammad. The handover ceremony took place at Mr. Nyah’s office in Jalingo following his recent appointment as a Permanent Secretary by the Taraba State Government. Speaking at the event, Mr. Nyah said the decision to relinquish the chairmanship became necessary in view of his new appointment. He expressed gratitude to members of the forum for their cooperation and support during his tenure, noting that their collective efforts enabled the forum to effectively support the state government in the implementation of its policies and programmes. Mr. Nyah assured the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas of the forum’s continued commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting development in the state. He also urged the new leadership to uphold t...

By our Correspondent, January 20, 2026. In a move toward modernising justice delivery, Taraba State has officially joined the growing list of sub-national governments adopting technology-driven court processes with the launch of an electronic filing (e-filing) system for the State High Court. The historic “Go-Live” ceremony, held on Monday evening, January 19, 2026, at the Grand Shields Hotel in Jalingo, marked a new chapter in the administration of justice in the state one anchored on speed, transparency and efficiency. Flagging off the initiative, Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Gebon Timothy Kataps, described the e-filing system as a bold response to the long-standing challenges associated with manual court procedures. According to him, the innovation reflects the judiciary’s resolve to embrace modern solutions capable of strengthening institutional integrity and public confidence. “The introduction of e-filing will enhance transpare...

By Charles Damain Tingah, January 20, 2026. The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has been applauded for his administration's developmental strides across all sectors of the state. In separate remarks by community leaders, youths and businessmen, the governor was commended for making tangible efforts towards transforming the state. In an interview with our correspondent, the Acting District Head of Jen Kaigama District in Jen,  Karim Lamido Local Government Area,Mr Samuel Dennis lauded the governor's initiatives in the Education and security sectors, particularly the free education policy of his administration, describing it as a huge relief for parents and enabling massive enrollment of pupils and students in the last few years. Similarly, the governor has been praised for slashing the tuition fees of tertiary institutions across the state by 50%, making education easily affordable and accessible for students in the state. The people however, appealed to governor Kefas lead...

By our Correspondent. The Allied People’s Movement, APM has intensified its political activities in Taraba State as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and effective representation through credible candidates. Established eight years ago, the APM has steadily expanded its presence across Taraba state and now boasts functional branch leadership in all sixteen local government areas of Taraba.  Party officials say this statewide structure positions the APM as a growing force in the state’s political landscape, with a clear focus on grassroots mobilization and inclusive participation. According to the party, its membership strength in Taraba State has surpassed 7,000 registered card-carrying members, a figure the leadership describes as a reflection of increasing public confidence in the party’s ideals and vision.  The APM operates on the core principles of “Nigeria First,” anchored on integrity, sacrifice...

By Jako Keke, January 19,2026. An urgent appeal has been made to the Taraba State and Federal Governments, as well as international development partners, for immediate intervention on the collapsed Kpambo Roundabout–Kpambo Rimamndeyati Road in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State. The appeal follows the complete collapse of the road, which has posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods and economic activities across Ussa and neighbouring communities. The damaged road serves as a major link connecting Kpambo and Yangtu communities through Kwambai and Jenuwa, and is described as a critical economic corridor rather than a mere rural access route. Raising the concern in a statement dated 16 January 2026, the President of the STYCOP Peace Project, Ambassador Rikwense Muri, noted that the scale of destruction is far beyond the capacity of the local government, stressing the need for urgent state, federal and international intervention. Ambassador Muri appealed to the Executive Govern...

By Jako. Jalingo came alive in colour, culture and commendation on Friday as the Taraba State Government poured glowing tributes on the Nigerian Army during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration of Headquarters 6 Brigade, held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium. Amid a roaring crowd of soldiers, traditional rulers, security chiefs and jubilant residents, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s unshakeable confidence in the Nigerian Army, praising the 6 Brigade for its professionalism, gallantry and steadfast commitment to peace across the state. Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Jeji Williams, the Governor declared that the relative peace currently enjoyed in Taraba is no coincidence, but the result of sustained sacrifice by officers and men of the 6 Brigade, working hand-in-hand with sister security agencies. “The improved security climate in Taraba State is a product of synergy, dedication and shared resolve,” the Governor ...

By Jako Keke, January 14,2026. The Taraba State Sports Development Commission has taken a major step toward reviving sports in the state with the inauguration of chairmen of various sports associations at its maiden session held on Wednesday at the Commission’s Hall, Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo. The inauguration was conducted by the Legal Adviser to the Commission, Barrister Comfort Yubiun, marking the formal commencement of a new era of coordinated sports administration in Taraba State. Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Hussaini, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for the opportunity to serve and for his vision to reposition sports as a tool for youth development and unity. According to him, the inauguration of the association chairmen is aimed at strengthening sports development, particularly at the grassroots level, where talent discovery and nurturing begin. “These chairmen represent critic...

By Our Correspondent Jindu, Jan. 13 The long-standing dispute over Jindu Fadama in Usmanu community, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, has been resolved following a peace agreement reached by the conflicting parties, raising hopes for lasting tranquility and renewed development in the area. The resolution was achieved when the disputing parties—Danlami Hamman Shomo and the Palace of the Village Head of Usmanu—agreed to sheathe their swords during the intervention of the Karim Lamido Local Government Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by its chairman, Sule Abasu, who recently visited the area. The agreement, reached through dialogue and mutual understanding, provides that farming and other activities will resume fully in the Jindu Fadama, while all pending court cases related to the dispute will be properly withdrawn. Under the terms of the settlement, 25 percent of the Jindu Fadama land has been apportioned to the Palace of the Village Head of Usmanu, while the Danla...

By our Correspondent. An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Kamalu Aliyu Babando, has called on the Taraba State Government to provide computer systems in public secondary schools across the state to enhance learning and digital literacy. Babando, a Senior Lecturer at the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai Campus, Jalingo, made the call in an interview, stressing that access to computers would give students the opportunity to acquire essential skills needed in today’s technology-driven world. He noted that the rapid advancement in science and technology now requires students to use computers for in-depth learning, research, and innovation, adding that many learners are disadvantaged due to the lack of basic ICT facilities in public schools. According to him, the availability of computer systems would also improve students’ performance in external examinations such as the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculatio...

By Jako Keke, January 12, 2026. Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing Operation Peace Shield with the arrest of two suspected gun runners in Taraba State. The arrests followed a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out on January 11, 2026, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), aimed at dismantling illegal arms trafficking networks operating within the state. The first suspect, identified as Mr Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer”, aged 48, was apprehended at Sebos Joint, Mayo Dasa General Area in Jalingo Local Government Area. According to preliminary investigations, Adamu is actively involved in the illegal arms trade. Items recovered from him include a hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, a hand band, and assorted charms, all believed to be linked to...

By Jako Keke, January 11, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has commended the gallantry, professionalism and unwavering commitment of troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their vital role in sustaining peace and stability across the state. The Governor gave the commendation while delivering his goodwill message at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026 Interdenominational Church Service held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Anglican Diocese of Jalingo, Mayo Dasa. Dr. Kefas described the Armed Forces as a pillar of national unity and sovereignty, noting that Taraba State has continued to enjoy relative peace due to the sacrifices, courage and constitutional duties of Nigeria’s military, particularly the Nigerian Army and the Air Force. According to him, many adverse situations would have overwhelmed the state if not for the relentless service and resilience of securi...

By Frontier Times Editor Jalingo, Jan. 11, 2026 — The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has urged Christians across the state to renew their commitment to faith, humility and service as a pathway to peace and sustainable development. In a goodwill message issued on Sunday to mark reflections on the Gospel reading of Matthew 3:13–17, Fr. Muke said the baptism of Jesus Christ remains a powerful reminder of obedience to God’s will and the identity of believers as God’s beloved children. According to him, the biblical account of Christ’s baptism, which reveals the presence of the Holy Trinity, underscores the spiritual foundation upon which Christians are called to live in unity and love. “Through baptism, we are reminded that we belong to God and are called to live lives of faith, humility and service to one another,” the cleric stated. Fr. Muke noted that the values embedded in the Christian faith—peace, unity, ...

By our Correspondent, January 11, 2026. The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, has expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the Chairman and staff of Wukari Local Government Council following a devastating fire that gutted seven departments of the council’s secretariat. In a press statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Chairman of ALGON in the state, Hon. Moses Maihankali, described the incident as a painful setback not only to Wukari Local Government but to the entire local government system in Taraba State. Maihankali noted that the inferno destroyed offices, records, equipment and other critical working tools, a situation he said would affect administrative operations and service delivery to the people of Wukari. He, however, assured that the association fully understands the shock and disruption caused by the incident and stands firmly with the council at this difficult time. The ALGON chairman also com...

Senegalese referee, Isaa Sy, officiated the Nigeria vs Algeria match. How would you rate his performance?

Our Crime Correspondent, January 10,2026. Normalcy is gradually returning to Karim Lamido Local Government Area following the recent communal crisis that disrupted activities in the area. Correspondents who visited the affected communities observed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had taken refuge in various locations have begun returning to their homes. Areas including Karim metropolis, Usmanu, Yawini, Moronyili, Wurobiri, Yata Laifi, Wuro-Lacha and other affected settlements are witnessing the return of residents after a peace meeting held in Jen, Karim Lamido Local Government Area. Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, called on residents to support and cooperate with security personnel deployed to the area. He explained that the Taraba State Government is deeply concerned about the security situation in Karim Lamido, which poses a threat to lives and property, stressing that publi...

By our Correspondent, Jan. 10, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the appointment of 12 Special Advisers, alongside a new Chairman of the Taraba State Water Supply Corporation (TAWASCO) and a Member of the Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, in a fresh move aimed at strengthening governance and service delivery in the state. The appointments were announced in a press release issued  by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, in Jalingo. According to the release, the newly appointed Special Advisers are: Hon. Ismaila Zakari – Project Implementation Hon. Aboki D. Dakka – Inter-Governmental Relations Hon. Ezra E. Voka – Rural Development Hon. Abubakar Saidu Usman – Inter-Religion Harmony Hon. Iliya Moh’d Ajibu (Ibi) – Blue Economy Development Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan – Development Partners and Donor Organisations Hon. Bitrus Danjos – Conflict and Crises Management Hon. John D. Ali – Border Pro...

By Jalingo Times Correspondent A fresh storm is gathering over the rising cost of living in Taraba State as a legal practitioner and public interest advocate, Shittu Nguroje, Esq., has formally petitioned Governor Agbu Kefas over what he described as the “unchecked and arbitrary increase in house rents” across Jalingo and other urban centres in the state. In an urgent petition dated January 10, 2026, by Shittu Nguroje, Esq. routed through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Nguroje warned that the worsening housing situation has pushed thousands of residents  particularly civil servants, students, traders and low-income earners  to the brink of financial distress. According to the petition, landlords across Taraba have been imposing frequent and steep rent hikes without legal guidance, adequate notice, or any corresponding improvement in housing quality.  “Rent increases have become frequent and excessive… imposed without statutory guidance, adequate ...

By Jako Keke, January 8,2026. Political leaders and key stakeholders in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Agbu Kefas and the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Right Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, calling for their continuity beyond 2027. The endorsement was unanimously reached at a well-attended gathering in Zing, where leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), community stakeholders and party supporters assessed the performance of the two leaders and resolved to back them for another term. Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Zing Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Evangelist Titus Davoro Gwandis JP, said the decision was informed by the “proven track records” of Governor Kefas and Speaker Bonzena in governance and service delivery. According to him, Governor Kefas has demonstrated sincerity of purpose and commitment to the development of Taraba State, citing strides in infrastructure, human capital de...

By Jako Keke, January 8,2026. Political leaders and key stakeholders in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Agbu Kefas and the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Right Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, calling for their continuity beyond 2027. The endorsement was unanimously reached at a well-attended gathering in Zing, where leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), community stakeholders and party supporters assessed the performance of the two leaders and resolved to back them for another term. Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Zing Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Evangelist Titus Davoro Gwandis JP, said the decision was informed by the “proven track records” of Governor Kefas and Speaker Bonzena in governance and service delivery. According to him, Governor Kefas has demonstrated sincerity of purpose and commitment to the development of Taraba State, citing strides in infrastructure, human capital development, e...

By Our Correspondent The Civil Society Organisation of Nigeria (CSON), Taraba State Chapter, has lauded the Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, for what it described as exemplary leadership and significant improvement in the security situation across Taraba State. The commendation was given on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, when members of the organisation paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo. The delegation was led by the State Chairman, Dr Joseph Gimba, who said the visit was to appreciate the sustained efforts of the Brigade Commander in restoring and maintaining peace in the state. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Dr Gimba noted that the prevailing peace and improved security currently enjoyed by residents of Taraba State could largely be attributed to Brigadier General Uwa’s gallant leadership, strategic initiatives and unwavering commitment to t...

By Jako Keke. Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued three victims during a swift, intelligence-led operation in Taraba State. The operation was carried out on January 5, 2026, after troops deployed at Jeb Jeb town received credible intelligence on the movement and activities of suspected kidnappers in Sangai Village, Bachama Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area. Acting promptly on the information, the troops were immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects towards the border area between Taraba and Plateau states. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the suspected kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bushes. As a result of the operation, three victims—Nimron Umar, 25; Abafaras Ibrahim, 20; and Habila Yunusa, 23—were successfully rescued without injury. The rescued persons are currently in military custody, where ...

By Jako Keke, January 1, 2026 In keeping with age-long cultural traditions, the Special Assistant to the Taraba State Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Mary James Gaisa, on New Year’s Day paid a courtesy visit to royal fathers and elders of her hometown, Takum, to seek prayers, blessings and guidance for the year 2026. The visit, which took place on January 1, was aimed at reaffirming respect for traditional institutions and acknowledging the vital role of elders in offering wisdom, moral direction and spiritual support, especially at the beginning of a new year. Speaking during the visit, Hon. Gaisa described the gesture as a cultural obligation deeply rooted in African values, noting that seeking the counsel and prayers of elders remains a source of strength and direction for leaders and public office holders. “I considered it necessary to begin the new year by paying homage to our royal fathers and elders, to seek their prayers and blessings as I step into the year ahe...