Jalingo Times.

By our Correspondent, April 30, 2026. The Taraba State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Jalingo, has conducted its maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, in a move described as a major step in its emergence as a hub for technical and vocational education. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, academic staff, students and invited guests, underscored the institution’s expanding role in promoting practical and skills-based education in Taraba State and beyond. Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Bakari Aliyu, commended the college for aligning with the university’s vision of academic excellence and digital transformation. Professor Bako described the matriculation as a “remarkable beginning” and encouraged the college management to prioritise digitalisation through the development of modern learning systems and centralised academic databases. In his welcome...

By Jako Keke, April 29, 2026. The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers implicated in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Effurun. The incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, led to the death of Mene Ogidi. In a statement issued from Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer said the decision followed the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings. Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, all officers connected to the incident were withdrawn from the Delta State Command and redeployed to Abuja, where they underwent expedited review by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC). The committee found that the principal officer, Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and established rules governing the use of firearms. The FDC described his conduct as unlawful and unprofessional. Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate dismissal of Usman...

By Jako Keke, April 29, 2026. Residents of Taraba State have been reminded of the forthcoming monthly environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, as authorities intensify efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. The Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Iliya Kefas Alhaji, issued the reminder in a statement made available to TSBS in Jalingo. He stated that the exercise will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. across the state. According to him, sanitation workers will be deployed to clean major roads and streets within Jalingo and all Local Government Areas, while residents are expected to actively participate by tidying their surroundings. Alhaji further announced that vehicular movement will be restricted during the two-hour exercise to ensure compliance and effectiveness. He also directed that markets, shops, and other public places remain closed within the stipulated period, warn...

By our Correspondent. A House of Representatives aspirant for Ardo Kola, Karim Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, Hon. Bernard Anthony Nucki Bandawa, has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In a resignation letter dated April 21, 2026, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the party in Karim B Ward, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, Bandawa said his decision followed “wide consultations with key stakeholders, political associates, friends, and family.” He described the move as “difficult but necessary,” requesting the immediate removal of his details from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal under the PDP platform. According to him, the decision is driven by his desire to continue serving the people of his constituency beyond partisan boundaries. “This decision stems from my commitment to continue serving the people of my constituency beyond partisan lines,” the letter read. Bandawa,...

By our Correspondent, April 27, 2026. Residents of Runde community in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, have decried a prolonged power outage that has plunged the area into darkness for over six months, crippling economic activities and disrupting daily life. The community, located within the heart of the state capital, has reportedly been without electricity following the breakdown of its only distribution transformer, which serves hundreds of households. Efforts to restore supply have stalled, with residents blaming the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) for failing to repair or replace the faulty facility. Investigations reveal that the transformer had developed faults several times in the past, with residents often contributing funds for repairs. However, the latest breakdown has proven too costly for the community to handle, leaving them in total blackout. The Village Head of Runde, Mr. Johnson Markus Mashi, expressed concern over the worsening situation, no...

By Jako Keke, April 26, 2026.  The Taraba State Local Government Service Commission, in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has announced plans to host a two-day training and sensitisation workshop aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in governance across local councils in the state. According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Justine Kassa, the workshop is scheduled to take place from April 29 to April 30, 2026, at the FastTrack Hotel Conference Hall, New Building, beginning at 8:00 a.m. daily. The training is expected to bring together directors from the Commission as well as key local government officials, including Directors of Agriculture, Budget, Social Development, and Works, alongside Clerks of Councils from all sixteen local government areas of Taraba State. The initiative, organised in partnership with NIPSS—Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank—is designed to ...

By Jako Keke, April 26, 2026. The Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and resist misleading influences in a rapidly changing world. In a message to mark the Fourth Sunday of Easter, popularly known as Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Muke reflected on the Gospel of John (10:1–10), emphasizing the image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd who knows His flock and calls each by name. He noted that the season presents a timely reminder for believers to stay focused amid growing distractions and competing voices, stressing that only the voice of Christ leads to truth, righteousness, and eternal fulfillment. “In a time of many distractions, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in faith and not be led by false voices,” he stated, urging Christians to deepen their spiritual discernment and commitment to God. The cleric further highlighted the qua...

By Jako Keke, April 29, 2026. In a modest but impactful intervention aimed at easing the economic strain on low-income earners, the Queen-Splendor Street Charity Foundation has provided food items and financial support to at least 10 beneficiaries across Taraba State. The outreach, which targeted petty traders and other vulnerable residents, underscores the growing role of grassroots initiatives in cushioning the effects of inflation, unemployment and declining household incomes in Nigeria’s informal sector. Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, the founder of the foundation Quee Alexander said the programme was conceived to foster a compassionate society where basic human needs are not a privilege but a right. She explained that the charity’s work is driven by a desire to restore dignity and hope to individuals struggling to survive on the streets. According to her, “our goal is simple but urgent — to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. We are co...

 By Jako Keke, April 25, 2026. Final-year Nursing Science students of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, have taken healthcare closer to underserved residents of Kona Garu, delivering free medical services and distributing essential drugs worth over ₦500,000 in a community outreach initiative. The outreach, held at the Primary Health Care Centre in Kona Garu, forms part of the students’ mandatory clinical and community health engagement designed to bridge gaps in grassroots healthcare delivery while sharpening their professional competencies. Residents who turned out for the exercise received a range of services, including blood pressure screening, HIV testing, and diagnosis for malaria and typhoid fever. The students also conducted extensive health education sessions and one-on-one counselling, targeting both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Team leader, Nurse Gani Yakubani Kubuza, explained that the outreach aligns with the department’s curriculum requ...

By our Correspondent. The family and friends of the late Sarah Fenwi Cletus have announced arrangements for her burial, following her passing on April 24, 2026. Sarah, who was born on January 2, 2011, died at the age of 15. Her death has drawn an outpouring of grief from loved ones and members of the community, who remember her as a young girl full of promise. According to details released by the family, the burial service is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The service will be held at Mr. Ngezack’s residence, located near the Grace Junior Football Field in the ATC area. Following the service, final interment will take place later that day at Anguwa Lapo, after the Grace Junior area, opposite the police checkpoint, at 10:00 p.m. The announcement, adorned with floral tributes and a solemn message, expressed the family’s deep sorrow, stating, “We love you, but God loves you most. May your soul rest in peace.” Friends, relatives, and sympat...

Bandawa Youths Back Nuki for Reps Bid, Call for Development-Oriented Leadership Youth leaders from the Bandawa community have thrown their weight behind Hon. Bernard Anthony Nuki’s bid to represent Karim Lamido, Lau and Ardo Kola Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, citing the urgent need for responsive leadership and grassroots-driven development. The endorsement was formally announced by the Chairman of the Bandawa Community Youths Development Association, Mr. Beruit Nock, during a press briefing held at Camp View Event Centre, Mile Six, Jalingo, on Thursday. He described the move as a defining moment in the political trajectory of the constituency. According to Nock, the decision to support Nuki underscores a growing frustration among youths over what they termed years of ineffective representation, which they say has stalled development across the three local government areas. He pointed to persistent deficits in critical sectors, including road infrastructure,...

By Jako Keke, April 23, 2026. Youth leaders from the Bandawa community have endorsed Hon. Bernard Anthony Nuki to contest the House of Representatives seat for the Karim Lamido, Lau and Ardo Kola Federal Constituency, citing the need for effective leadership and grassroots development. The endorsement was announced the Chairman of Bandawa Community Youths Development Association Mr Beruit Nock during press briefing at the Camp View Event Centre,Mike Six Jalingo on Thursday, describing the move as a “historic moment” in the political evolution of the constituency. According to the youth leader , the decision to back Nuki reflects a growing demand for purposeful leadership capable of addressing longstanding developmental challenges affecting communities across the three local government areas. Mr Nock expressed concern over what they described as years of poor representation, alleging that previous leaders failed to deliver meaningful infrastructure, employment opportunities...

By our Correspondent, April 22, 2026. Hon. Joshua Rikupki Joshua Urenyang has paid his last respects to the late Hon. Yohanna Adaki, describing him as a committed public servant whose legacy will endure in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State. The late Adaki, a former Vice Chairman of Ussa LGA and Member representing Ussa Constituency, was laid to rest amid tributes acknowledging his role as a pillar of grassroots politics and community development. Hon. Rikupki, who attended the burial ceremony alongside Hon. John Lamba and Hon. Abubakar Tanko-Yusuf, representing Takum II and Takum I Constituencies respectively, said the deceased lived a life defined by dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to his people. In his remarks, Rikupki urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast and uphold the values established by their late patriarch. He encouraged them to stay grounded in faith, noting that continuity in righteous living would be the greatest tribute to the de...

By Jako Keke, April 20, 2026. The Council of Legal Education has released the results of the December 2025 Bar Final Examinations, with an overall pass rate of 79.1 percent. A public notice issued by the Council and dated April 20, 2026, showed that a total of 7,602 candidates sat for the examinations. According to the breakdown of results, 212 candidates made First Class, while 1,216 obtained Second Class Upper division. A total of 2,961 candidates earned Second Class Lower, while 1,622 secured Pass grades. The Council also recorded 314 candidates with Conditional Pass, while 1,067 candidates failed the examinations. Another 210 candidates were marked absent. The Council of Legal Education congratulated all successful candidates, describing their performance as a reflection of hard work, dedication and perseverance. It added that details regarding the screening process and schedule for the Call to the Bar ceremony would be communicated to candidates through their individua...

By Jako Keke April 19, 2026. The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank, recorded significant milestones during its Mid-Term Review held in Kaduna State from 15 to 17 April 2026. The Mid-Term Review convened key stakeholders, including Honourable Ministers, State Commissioners, development partners, and technical experts, to assess progress, identify implementation gaps, and strengthen delivery strategies across the 19 participating states and the Federal Capital Territory. The high-level engagement was graced by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; the Honourable Minister of Environment,Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,Senator Abubakar Kyari, underscoring the Federal Government’s strong commitment to the success of the project. ACReSAL is a six-ye...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

By Jako Keke, April 15, 2026. The Plateau State Government has announced a further relaxation of the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following improvements in the security situation. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the decision was taken in consultation with security agencies after a review of conditions in the area. According to the statement, the curfew will now run from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, effective from April 15, 2026. Residents of Jos North and surrounding communities were advised to strictly comply with the adjusted curfew hours, as security agencies continue to monitor the situation. The government commended citizens for their cooperation, noting that their support has contributed significantly to the restoration of relative peace in the area. It also urged residents to sustain the spirit of collaboration by remaining law-abiding and vigilant, while promptly r...