Jalingo Times.

By Jako Keke, May 31, 2026. No fewer than 60 women from Northern Taraba State have graduated from a skills acquisition programme designed to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment, receiving starter packs to launch their own businesses. The graduation ceremony, held on Saturday at the Catholic Pastoral Centre Mini Hall, Mile Six, Jalingo, marked another milestone in ongoing efforts to improve the livelihoods of women across the state through vocational training and entrepreneurship development. The programme was sponsored by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, in partnership with Chyoby Catering School. Participants were trained in catering and other entrepreneurial skills aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge for income generation and sustainable livelihoods. Speaking during the event, former YOWICAN Chairman in Taraba State, Pastor Ephraim Kwanchi, described the initiative as a strat...

By Jako Keke May 31, 2026.  The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to deepen their faith and promote love, peace, and unity as they celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. In a message marking the feast on Sunday, Fr. Muke reflected on the Gospel reading from John 3:16–18, emphasizing God's boundless love for humanity through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. According to him, the scripture reminds believers that God’s plan of salvation is open to all who place their faith in Christ, offering them the promise of eternal life. “The Gospel reminds us of God’s immense love for humanity: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.’ Through this gift, God offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him,” he stated. The cleric explained that the celebration of the Holy Trinity highlights the mystery of one God existing in three Persons—Father,...

By our Correspondent May 31,2026. National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, has emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate, outlining plans to address national unity, insecurity and corruption. He was endorsed at the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Saturday, where he pledged firm action on governance challenges and set out his immediate priorities. He said rebuilding trust among Nigerians would be treated as urgent, warning that rising ethnic and religious divisions have weakened national cohesion and public confidence. He said, “I must thank you for believing in me. I must thank you for the confidence you have in my ability. And I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate. There are a few points that I will take up as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These are the ones I will give immediate priority. And the first has to do with national unity. “As we get into the ...

By Jako Keke,May 31,2026. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Taraba State Wing, Comrade Nathan Solomon, has lauded Governor for what he described as far-reaching reforms in the education sector, saying the administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving access to quality education across the state. Comrade Solomon made the remarks while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking Governor Kefas' third anniversary in office. He noted that the governor's policies and investments in education have significantly reduced the burden on parents and guardians while creating a more conducive learning environment for pupils and students. According to the NUT chairman, the introduction of the state's free and compulsory education policy remains one of the most impactful initiatives of the current administration. He said the policy has expanded educational opportunities for children, particularly those from disadvantaged b...

By Jako Keke May 29, 2026 The Senior Special Assistant to the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), Mr. Steve Innocent Solomon, has congratulated Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on what he described as three remarkable years of purposeful leadership in the state. In a congratulatory message issued on Friday, Solomon praised the governor’s commitment to peace, inclusive governance, education, infrastructural development, and youth empowerment. He noted that the administration’s free education policy, reforms in the civil service, and efforts toward improving security had continued to restore hope and provide direction for the people of Taraba State. Solomon particularly commended Governor Kefas for his unwavering support to TSEMA, especially in responding to flood disasters and providing relief materials to affected communities across the state. According to him, the governor’s prompt interventions during emergencies have brought comfort to victims and dem...

By Jako Keke May 29, 2026. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports alleging that it was planning a convention to affirm former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate, describing the claims as false and misleading. In a press release issued on Friday, the party said no convention, meeting, or political process had been scheduled or approved by its leadership or any recognised organ of the party for such purpose. The statement, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, urged party members, supporters, and the general public to disregard the reports, which it said were intended to create confusion within the political space. According to the party, all its primary elections, including governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and presidential primaries, had already been successfully concluded in line with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and guidelines of the ...

By Jako Keke May 28, 2026. The Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA) has announced that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will hold on Saturday, May 30, 2026, across the state. Chairman of the Agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas Alhaji, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the exercise would commence from 7:00am to 10:00am under the supervision of officials of the Agency alongside security personnel. He explained that vehicular movement would be restricted during the exercise to ensure compliance and effective participation by residents. The Chairman advised residents to close their shops, malls, event centres and other business premises within the sanitation hours and actively participate in cleaning their surroundings. Hon. Iliya Kefas Alhaji warned that defaulters and violators of the sanitation rules would be arrested and prosecuted by the Mobile Court. He noted that the exercise was aimed at promoting a cleaner, healthier and more se...

By Jako Keke May 27, 2026. Hon. Bulus Maiyaki, popularly known as Makaman Donga, has extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslims in Taraba State and across the country, urging citizens to promote unity, peace, and mutual understanding for the progress of society. In a Sallah message issued on Wednesday, Maiyaki described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant period that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, faith, and compassion as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that the celebration should serve as an opportunity for reflection, strengthening relationships within communities, and supporting the less privileged in society. According to him, the festival goes beyond merriment and should inspire citizens to pray for the peace, stability, and development of Taraba State and Nigeria. “Eid-el-Kabir is not only a season of celebration but also a time to sacrifice for one another, pray for the peace and progress of our state and nation, and support leaders working towards development,” he ...

By Jako Keke May 27, 2026. The in Taraba State has congratulated Muslim faithful across the state and Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration, calling for prayers, vigilance, and unity among citizens. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, , the party, under the leadership of , described Eid-El-Kabir as a sacred period that symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. The statement noted that the festival serves as a reminder of the virtues of selflessness, compassion for humanity, and unwavering faith in God. According to the party, the season offers an opportunity for Muslims and other residents to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity in Taraba State and the nation at large. The PDP also prayed for Allah’s mercy, divine protection, good health, and abundant blessings upon Muslim families during the celebration. “As you celebrate with your families and l...

By our Correspondent, May 26, 2026. A prominent stakeholder in , Hon. Bulus Maiyaki, popularly known as Makaman Donga, has distributed rams to Muslim leaders and other stakeholders across the local government area ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The gesture, according to Maiyaki, was aimed at supporting Muslim faithful to celebrate the Sallah festival with joy while promoting peace, unity, religious tolerance, and harmonious coexistence among residents of the area. Speaking during the distribution exercise, the politician and philanthropist urged residents of Donga to use the Eid-el-Kabir period to pray for the administration of and for continued peace and development in . He also called on the people to rally support for the ruling ahead of forthcoming elections, urging voters to support , Governor Kefas, and other APC candidates across the state. Maiyaki noted that the impact of Governor Kefas’ “Moving Forward Agenda” and the Federal Government’s...

By Alison Lazere  In public service, leadership is often measured by promises made during ceremonies and speeches delivered from podiums. But for some leaders, the true measure lies in visible impact, institutional reforms, and the ability to inspire lasting change. In Taraba State’s environmental sector, Hon. Aishat Abdulazeez Barde has steadily carved out a reputation as one of those leaders whose work speaks louder than political rhetoric. From the rolling landscapes of Zing Local Government Area to communities across Taraba State, her administration has become closely associated with environmental restoration, climate advocacy, and grassroots participation in ecological sustainability. A proud daughter of the Mumuye nation, Hajiya Aishat’s rise in public service reflects a blend of academic preparation, professional experience, and cultural identity. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Maiduguri and a Master’s degree in Environmental Resource Man...

By our Correspondent May 24, 2026. The Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Taraba State, Hon. Magaji Bulus Gago, has pledged to reposition the state through people-oriented policies aimed at improving the living conditions of citizens if elected into office in the 2027 general elections. Hon. Gago made the declaration shortly after he was officially returned as the party’s flagbearer during the AAC governorship primaries held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. Addressing party faithful and supporters after his emergence, the AAC candidate said his administration would focus on a comprehensive seven-point agenda designed to tackle the major socio-economic challenges confronting the state. According to him, key priorities of his administration would include job creation, youth empowerment, improved security, quality education, and accessible healthcare services. He added that his government would also pay special attention to reviving the agricul...

By Jako Keke, May 24, 2026. Hon. Danjuma Shiddi, the APGA governorship aspirant, has launched the “Rescue Taraba” campaign. He promised to restore security, revive infrastructure, and create economic opportunities across the state. Speaking to party leaders, youths, women, and the press, Shiddi called it “a solemn pledge to secure our communities, revive decaying infrastructure, and uplift farmers.” He said Tarabans deserve leadership that turns promises into real progress. Shiddi outlined the state’s challenges: poor market access for farmers, daily struggles to feed families, and rising insecurity on highways and farmlands. He stressed that these issues won’t be solved by empty rhetoric. His five-point plan covers security, agriculture, education, healthcare, jobs, and accountable governance. It includes community policing, rural roads, agro-processing hubs, school and hospital upgrades, and expanded mobile healthcare. On jobs, Shiddi pledged apprenticeships, microcredit ...

The African Action Congress (AAC) has elected Hon. Magaji Bulus Gago as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections in Taraba State following a consensus arrangement reached during the party’s governorship primary held in Jalingo. The primary election, which attracted party executives, delegates and supporters from across the 16 local government areas of the state, was described by party leaders as peaceful, transparent and a reflection of the unity within the AAC ahead of the forthcoming elections. Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the party, Comrade Stanley Linus, who was represented by the State Secretary, Mr. Olorunnipa Adebayo, commended party members for their commitment and participation in the exercise. He said the emergence of Hon. Gago through consensus demonstrated the confidence members of the party have in his leadership capacity, political experience and vision for Taraba State. According to him, the AAC governorship flagbearer pos...

By Jako Keke, May 23, 2026 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Taraba State House of Assembly election in Lau Constituency, Hon. Silas Kessavo, has expressed deep appreciation to party executives, stakeholders, members, and youths across the constituency for their support and confidence in his emergence as the party’s flag bearer. In a statement issued shortly after the conclusion of the PDP primary election, Hon. Kessavo described his victory as a collective achievement made possible through unity, loyalty, and commitment demonstrated by party faithful throughout the electoral process. The PDP candidate specifically commended party leaders and stakeholders in Lau Local Government for ensuring a peaceful and successful primary election, noting that their dedication to the ideals of the party strengthened the democratic process within the constituency. He also paid glowing tribute to the youths of Lau Constituency for what he described as their unwaverin...

By Jako Keke, May 23, 2026. Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has sponsored a delegation from the state to participate in the African Liberation Festival in Grenada, in a move aimed at promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties with the African diaspora. The delegation departed Nigeria through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport ahead of the international cultural event, which attracts participants from across the world to celebrate African heritage, liberation struggles, music, art, and shared cultural identity. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, the delegation is made up largely of young people selected to represent the rich cultural heritage and identity of Taraba State on the global stage. The statement noted that the initiative forms part of the Kefas administration’s commitment to youth development, cultural promotion, and international engagement. It added that the trip ...

By Our Correspondent, May 26, 2026. Fresh controversy has erupted over the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the Gassol II State Constituency in Taraba State, following allegations that the exercise did not take place as scheduled. One of the aspirants in the contest, Hon. Japheth Ezekiel Dadason, alleged that the primary election was compromised by some party officials and influential stakeholders, insisting that no valid electoral process was conducted in the constituency. Speaking in a telephone interview with reporters, Dadason claimed that  his opponent Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Naawai, alongside some state party officials, allegedly whisked away the returning officer to a hotel in Mutum Biyu before the commencement of the exercise. According to him, the returning officer was reportedly taken to Best Loner Two Hotel, where result sheets were allegedly filled without the participation of delegates and party members expected at the primary venue. T...

By our Correspondent, May 23, 2026. The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has announced the commencement of a free delivery service for pregnant women in Jauro-Yinu District and neighbouring communities, in a move aimed at improving access to safe maternal healthcare in rural parts of Taraba State. The initiative, which is being spearheaded by the management and staff of St. Peter’s Clinic, Jauro-Yinu, in collaboration with Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, is designed to provide expectant mothers with free childbirth services and ease the financial burden associated with maternal care. According to the organisers, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality while promoting safer delivery practices among women in underserved communities. The official flag-off ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Peter’s Clinic, Jauro-Yinu, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event is expected to attract healthcare professionals, relig...

By Jako Keke, May 22, 2026. The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in Taraba State, , on Thursday led a strong show of political solidarity in Zing Local Government Area as she participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election in support of Governor . Hon. Barde, popularly known as the Zinariyar Mumuyawa, received a rousing welcome from party faithful, youths, women groups, and supporters who thronged major areas of Zing to identify with her and reaffirm their loyalty to the administration of Governor Kefas. The large turnout, according to political observers, underscored the growing acceptance of the Kefas administration in the area, especially following ongoing infrastructural development and people-oriented policies being implemented across the state. Supporters who accompanied the Commissioner during the visit praised Governor Kefas for appointing Hon. Barde to represent Zing Local Government Area i...

By Jako Keke, May 21, 2026. Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has approved the constitution of a Security Advisory Committee aimed at strengthening security coordination and enhancing peace across the state. The announcement was contained in a press release issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Barrister Gebon Timothy Kataps. According to the statement, the committee is made up of retired senior military officers, intelligence experts, and security professionals with vast experience in national security management. Members of the committee include Jonathan Kure, DDG DSS (Rtd) mni; Major General Boniface Robert Sinjen (Rtd); Major General Henry Tafida Wesley (Rtd); Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd); Brigadier General J. Akila (Rtd); Air Vice Marshal Kabir Aliyu (Rtd); AIG Hassan Hosea Karma (Rtd); Squadron Leader Edward Bobsom Umar (Rtd); Navy Captain S.S. Garba (Rtd); Dr. Gani Danyaya, DSS (Rtd); and DT Audu, NIS Comptroller (Rtd). T...

By our Correspondent, May 21, 2026 The Southern Taraba Frontier (STF), a political support group backing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Hon. Dinshiya Usman, has said its campaign is motivated by the desire to restore people-oriented governance in Taraba State rather than personal attacks against Governor Agbu Kefas. In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Hikon Mathias, the STF maintained that its support for Hon. Usman is anchored on the need for responsive leadership capable of addressing the developmental challenges facing the state. According to the group, it initially supported the administration of Governor Kefas with high expectations but has become disappointed over what it described as the lack of visible development despite increased federal allocations and the rising debt profile of the state. “We have no hidden agenda other than bringing governance that puts the people first,” Mathias stated. He argued that the people of Sou...

By our Correspondent, May 21,2026. The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, has emerged as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress for Zing State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bonzena was returned unopposed during the party’s primary election held in Yakoko, his hometown in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, following his endorsement by party members and constituents across the constituency. Speaking shortly after the exercise, the Speaker expressed gratitude to party faithful and the people of Zing for the confidence reposed in him, describing the overwhelming support as a clear indication that the people appreciated his style of leadership and representation. According to him, the fact that he emerged as the sole aspirant for the APC ticket reflected the trust and acceptance he enjoys among his constituents. “I am deeply humbled by this endorsement and the support shown by the people of Zing. The...

By our Correspondent,May 19, 2026. Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered arms and other items during a clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State. The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Sarkin Kudu, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected bandits operating from a hideout around Dooshima District in the area. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the troops swiftly mobilised for a tactical raid after receiving the intelligence report on May 18, 2026. The statement disclosed that the soldiers encountered the armed suspects at the hideout, leading to a fierce gun battle. “During the encounter, troops successfully neutralised two suspected bandits, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said. It...

By our Correspondent, May 19, 2026. Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Takum I Constituency have been urged to troop out en masse for the party’s direct primaries scheduled to hold tomorrow in support of House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Dr. Taninga Audu Jankada. The call was made by the campaign team coordinator, Mr. Hikon Yebsaya Gani, who said the growing support for Jankada across the constituency reflects the desire of the people for purposeful and people-oriented representation. According to Gani, residents of Takum I are determined to embrace leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people and addresses the developmental needs of the constituency. “The people have spoken clearly. They want leadership that listens, delivers, and puts the community first,” he stated, while expressing confidence in the level of mobilisation witnessed across the wards. He appealed to party faithful and supporters to participate peacefully in the exercise, describing the ...

By our Correspondent, May 18, 2026 The screening committee of the in Taraba State has submitted its report to the party leadership after completing the screening of aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committee, chaired by , formally presented the report to the state leadership of the party at the PDP Secretariat. Speaking during the submission, Agya expressed appreciation to the party leadership for entrusting the committee with the responsibility of screening all aspirants contesting under the PDP platform. He described the assignment as enormous but successful, attributing the achievement to the cooperation and support received from party stakeholders and members throughout the exercise. According to him, all aspirants who appeared before the committee conducted themselves with maturity and respect for the party’s internal processes. Agya noted that the committee screened and qualified all aspirants for participation in th...

By Jako Keke, May 18, 2026. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed Hon. Ibrahim Adam Imam as the party’s sole candidate for the Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Taraba State. The reaffirmation followed the conclusion of the party’s internal screening and verification processes conducted by relevant committees constituted by the PDP to oversee the nomination exercise within the constituency. Party officials disclosed that Hon. Imam satisfied all constitutional and electoral requirements laid down by both the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to his recognition as the consensus and sole aspirant cleared to fly the party’s flag for the federal constituency seat. The development is being viewed by political observers as a strategic move by the PDP to consolidate unity and strengthen its chances in the constituency, which remains one of the key political strongholds in...

By our Correspondent, May 16, 2026. Aspirant for the Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency seat, Princess Leah Olusiyi Solomon, has alleged that no direct primary election was conducted across the three local government areas for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries. Hon. Leah Solomon expressed frustration over what she described as the failure of the party to conduct the much-anticipated exercise, despite party members and supporters waiting for hours in various wards and centres across Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas. Speaking shortly after monitoring developments in parts of the constituency, the aspirant lamented that APC members were left stranded without any clear information regarding the conduct of the direct primaries. She maintained that, contrary to expectations, no electoral process took place in the affected areas, raising concerns among party faithful and supporters ahead of the party’s nomination process...

By our Correspondent May 16, 2026. Aspirant for the Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Princess Leah Olusiyi Solomon, has expressed concern over the delay in the conduct of the party’s direct primaries scheduled for Friday across Taraba State. Hon. Leah Solomon raised the alarm after monitoring activities in the five wards of Zing Local Government Area, where party members and supporters had gathered in anticipation of the exercise. Speaking with journalists shortly after the tour, the aspirant alleged that although information available to her indicated that sensitive materials for the conduct of the primaries had arrived in the state, there was uncertainty surrounding the distribution of the materials to the affected local government areas. She lamented that hundreds of her supporters who reportedly arrived at various centres as early as 8:00 a.m. were left stranded for several hours without the pres...

By Jako Keke, May 16, 2026. The media team of former Taraba State Governor, , has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the political heavyweight has withdrawn from the race, describing the claims as false, mischievous, and misleading. In a press statement issued on Friday by Hon. Zeal Obidah Bitrus, Media and Publicity aide to the former governor, the camp categorically denied any plan by Nyame to step down, insisting that the former governor remains fully committed to responding to the aspirations and demands of the people. The statement noted that Rev. (Dr.) Jolly T. Nyame had carefully listened to the “yearnings and cries of the people” and resolved to answer what it described as a clarion call in the interest of the masses. According to the statement, the rumours of withdrawal were the handiwork of “mischief makers” allegedly bent on misleading the public and creating unnecessary political tension and confusion among supporters. The media te...

By Our Correspondent, May 15, 2026. Aspirant for the Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Princess Leah Olusiyi Solomon, has intensified her grassroots consultations ahead of the party primaries with an appearance at the 32nd Annual Convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), held in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State. The convention, which drew Christian women from the sixteen local government areas of the state, provided a platform for discussions on unity, faith, and societal development under the theme: “Building the Cultural Bridges Among Us Through Jesus Christ.” Hon. Leah Solomon, who attended the event alongside her aides and supporters, commended the leadership of WOWICAN for sustaining and expanding the vision of the association’s founding members in Taraba State. She described women as critical stakeholders in nation-building and called for gre...