Jalingo Times.

By Our Correspondent, August 30, 2026. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, Engr. Mathias Luka Agbu, has promised to make service, development and grassroots representation the cornerstone of his campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. Agbu, a humanitarian and development advocate with more than 15 years of experience in education, youth development, healthcare interventions, mentorship and community-based initiatives, said his ambition to represent the constituency at the National Assembly is driven by a desire to translate years of grassroots service into broader development impact. He said the aspiration was not about merely occupying a political office, but about using legislative representation as a platform to address pressing challenges, expand opportunities and connect constituents with federal institutions and programmes. > “I am seeking to represent the good people of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency...

By Jako Keke,  August 30, 2026. The Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing (MCDAYW) has dissolved its existing State Executive Councils in Taraba and Adamawa States, paving the way for fresh elections within the next 40 days. The decision was taken at the Association’s Extraordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM), held on August 29, 2026, at Mumuye House, Mile Six, Jalingo, Taraba State. The meeting, which attracted representatives and stakeholders from various chapters, deliberated on issues bordering on the unity, administration, development and future direction of the youth wing. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Joachim Anthony Boduganian, Congress said the dissolution of the two state executives was necessary to create room for “fresh, credible and inclusive elections” capable of strengthening the democratic structures of the association. To oversee the electoral proces...

By Jako Keke,  August 29, 2026 | Jalingo The Taraba State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is witnessing a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of the state’s increasingly visible and result-oriented government institutions under the leadership of its Commissioner, Hon. Aisha A. Barde . Once regarded by some observers as a relatively low-profile ministry in the affairs of the state, the ministry has, in recent months, begun to attract attention through improved visibility, institutional activity and measurable performance. A major indication of the ministry’s changing fortunes was its performance at the maiden Quarterly Revenue Performance Review organised by the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Figures presented during the review showed that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change significantly exceeded its revenue target for the first half of 2026. The ministry had a first-quar...

By Jako Keke, August 29, 2026. The Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with the Foundation for Peace, Hope and Conflict Management and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Taraba State Command, has organised a one-day training programme aimed at strengthening community security, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The training, held at the headquarters of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Jalingo, focused on early warning mechanisms and proactive responses to emerging security threats. The programme was designed to equip members of the vigilante group with the knowledge and skills required to identify potential threats, provide timely early warnings and respond appropriately before such threats escalate into violent conflicts. Participants were taken through interactive sessions and discussions facilitated by experienced peacebuilding practitioners, Emmanuel Kini and Maryam Adamu Lanko. Speaking during the training, Kini Emmanue...

By Jako Keke,  August 29, 2026.  The Association of Local Government Council Secretaries of Nigeria (ALGOCSN), Taraba State Chapter, has intensified engagement with key political and institutional stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and development across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas. The engagement followed the association’s three-day extraordinary forum meeting in Jalingo and was conducted from August 26 to 28, 2026, under the leadership of its State Chairman, Hon. Clarkson Andrew Nariniba. During the courtesy visits, the delegation met with the Chairman of the Taraba State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah; Director-General of the Kefas Campaign Organisation 2027, Hon. Danladi Baido; Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena Anthony; Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, Hon. Mo...

By Jako Keke, August 29, 2026. The Provost of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas S. Dugule, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for what she described as people-oriented policies and interventions in the education sector. Dugule made the commendation in a goodwill message issued to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State. The Provost, who spoke on behalf of the management, staff and students of the College, congratulated Governor Kefas and the people of Taraba on the milestone anniversary, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on the state's journey and celebrate its achievements. She particularly highlighted the governor's 50 per cent reduction in school fees, saying the policy had expanded access to education for brilliant students from less-privileged backgrounds. According to her, the administration's intervention in the education sector goes beyond fee reduction, noting that contractors had retur...

By Keke Jako, August 29, 2026. Before the morning sun could fully settle over Jalingo, the usual bustle of the Taraba State capital began to take a different shape. Roads and public spaces that ordinarily witness the movement of people and vehicles became scenes of coordinated environmental activity as residents, environmental workers and security personnel joined hands in the monthly sanitation exercise. At major road junctions, public places, malls and office premises, sweepers of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA) were seen clearing dirt and sweeping their surroundings. For many residents, the exercise was more than a routine government programme. It was a reminder that the responsibility for a clean city cannot rest entirely on the government. The latest exercise recorded massive compliance across Jalingo metropolis, with residents turning out en masse to clean their homes, business premises and immediate surroundings. Officials of TSESA also moved...

By Education Correspondent, August  28, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has rewarded students from the state who emerged champions at the 2026 International Debate Championship in Rwanda with a cash gift of ₦5 million each. The Governor hosted the young champions to a dinner at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Jalingo, where he celebrated their outstanding performance and described the feat as a proud moment for Taraba and Nigeria. Kefas said the students’ victory had brought honour to the state and demonstrated the capacity of Taraba youths to excel on the international stage. As part of his administration’s Moving Forward Agenda and commitment to educational advancement, the cash rewards were presented on the Governor’s behalf by the Executive Chairperson of the Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB), Hon. Christiana Binga. The presentation, held at the TSUBEB headquarters in Jalingo, was witnessed by board members, directo...

As November election draws closer, Bishop Ande Emmanuel says the church’s process—not personal endorsement—will determine the new Bishop. By Keke Jako, Religion Correspondent, August 28, 2026. In church politics, succession is rarely just about who occupies a seat. It is often about influence, continuity, trust, theology, administration and, sometimes, the direction an institution takes after a change of leadership. That reality is beginning to unfold within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) as the denomination prepares for the election of a new Bishop for its newly created Episcopal Area. With November approaching, speculation over possible successors has intensified, with names of senior clergy increasingly featuring in conversations among church members and stakeholders. But one man whose endorsement could potentially influence the contest has publicly denied throwing his weight behind any aspirant. Bishop Ande Emmanuel, who currently provides episcopal leadershi...

By Jako Keke , August 28, 2026. Church leaders have been urged to take deliberate steps to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in their communities, rather than limiting their responsibilities to preaching the gospel. The Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, covering Districts of Cameroon, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, made the call at the closing session of a five-day Roundtable Peace Talk held in Jalingo, Taraba State. Bishop Emmanuel said the role of church leaders extends beyond preaching, stressing that they must become active peace vanguards by promoting reconciliation, tolerance and unity in their various communities. He also called on traditional rulers to support the Church and government in their efforts to foster peaceful coexistence and stability in society. According to him, the five-day engagement had equipped UMCN church leaders with knowledge and practical skills which they are expected to transfer to mem...

By Keke Jako, August 28, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called for a deliberate shift from celebrating the state’s vast natural endowments to converting them into tangible prosperity and improved living standards for citizens. Kefas made the call on Thursday in Jalingo during a media briefing to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, with the theme, “Taraba at 35: Consolidating Progress, Confronting Today’s Challenges and Building for the Future.” The governor said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for the government to account for its stewardship, acknowledge outstanding challenges and clearly define the direction of the state. According to him, 35 years after the creation of Taraba on August 27, 1991, the central challenge is no longer to demonstrate that the state has potential, but to transform its abundant land, water, minerals, agricultural resources, livestock, forests, tourism assets and energy opportunities int...

By Political Correspondent, August 27, 2026. As Taraba State celebrates its 35th anniversary, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Taraba State Chapter, has called for stronger policies, greater social cohesion and deliberate investment in the state’s abundant natural and human resources to accelerate sustainable development. The Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Gimba Joseph, PhD, made the call in a statement marking the anniversary, describing Taraba as a state richly endowed with natural resources and diverse landscapes that have earned it the description, “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.” According to him, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for Tarabans to reflect on the state’s journey, celebrate its achievements, acknowledge existing challenges and develop strategies for a more prosperous future. Gimba noted that Taraba’s greatest asset remains its people, whom he described as resilient, proud of their heritage and committed to building a better fu...

As we celebrate our unity, resilience and rich natural heritage, I call on all Tarabans to join hands in protecting our environment and building a greener, safer and more prosperous state. In line with the directives of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, let us comply with and support the Greening Taraba agenda by planting and protecting trees, ending indiscriminate deforestation and bush burning, protecting our waterways, keeping our environment clean, and embracing climate-smart agriculture. The Governor’s directive is clear: our Climate Change Policy must move from policy to implementation and from programmes to measurable results.  I therefore urge all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Local Governments, traditional institutions, communities and citizens to play their part. Let us develop without destroying. Let us green Taraba together. Happy 35th Anniversary, Taraba State! Long live Taraba State! Long live Nigeria! Hon. Aishat A. Barde Commissioner, Ministry of Envi...

By Political Correspondent,  August 27, 2026. The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2027 Taraba State governorship election, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, has called for a new approach to governance capable of translating Taraba State’s abundant resources into sustainable economic opportunities for its people. Shiddi made the call in a statement marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, where he congratulated Tarabans at home and abroad and urged citizens to use the anniversary as an opportunity for both celebration and reflection. The APGA candidate acknowledged the resilience, diversity and contributions of Tarabans over the past 35 years, commending past leaders, traditional institutions, civil servants, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, security personnel and young people for their roles in the development of the state. According to him, Taraba’s 35th anniversary should prompt a ...

By Jako Keke,  August 27, 2026. The President of the Ex-Army Pikin Association (EAPA), Taraba State Chapter, Sunday Stephen, Esq., has congratulated the people of Taraba State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the state’s resilience, diversity and achievements. In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Stephen extended warm felicitations to Tarabans and reflected on the journey of the state over the past 35 years. He noted that Taraba has recorded significant progress and development across various sectors, while its rich cultural heritage, vast natural resources and diverse communities continue to distinguish it as a unique state. The EAPA President commended the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as its efforts to advance development in key sectors, particularly agriculture, education and healthcare. He also applauded initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and pea...

By Jako Keke,  August 27, 2026. The Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Taraba State Council, Comrade Nathaniel Pius Merigi, has felicitated with the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state. Comrade Merigi in a press statement also rejoiced with the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali; the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena; members of the State Legislature and Executive Council, as well as the Chairmen of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. He described the anniversary as an important moment for Tarabans to pause, reflect on the journey so far, celebrate achievements, and renew their commitment to the continued development and progress of the state. Comrade Merigi commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his leadership qualities and development-oriented initiatives, while calling for greater support for the...

By Jako Keke,  August 27, 2026. The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, Hon. Moses Maihankali, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as significant development strides recorded in the state as Taraba marks its 35th anniversary. Maihankali, who is also the Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, spoke on behalf of the 16 local government council chairmen in the state in a congratulatory message to Governor Kefas and the people of Taraba. He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey of development while acknowledging the contributions of successive administrations and citizens to its growth. The ALGON chairman listed free education, security, agriculture, healthcare, human capital development, employment, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, economic development, and youth and women empowerment among areas where he said the present administration had recorded not...

By Jako Keke,  August 26, 2026  Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, Ph.D., has approved the redeployment of four commissioners serving in the State Executive Council as part of a cabinet reshuffle. The redeployment, contained in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, on Wednesday, takes immediate effect. Under the new arrangement, Hon. Peter George has been moved from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Water Management and Aquatic Affairs. Hon. Daniel Ishaku, formerly the Commissioner for Water Management and Aquatic Affairs, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation. Also affected is Hon. Bernard Shonzen James Kassa, who has moved from the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services. In another change, Hon. Philip Habu James has been redeployed from the Ministry of Social Dev...

By Jako Keke, August 25, 2026. The Executive Chairman of Takum Local Government Council, Hon. Bako Benjamin, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, led an inspection and assessment tour of the proposed site for a Naval Base in Kashimbila, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The tour was conducted alongside officials of the Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS) and Brigadier General E. Bawa, who led the military delegation and guided the team around the proposed location. Gen. Bawa briefed the delegation on the strategic importance of the facility for improving security and driving development in Takum, Southern Taraba, and within Kashimbila and its environs. TAGIS officials also carried out benchmark and demarcation exercises at the proposed site as part of preliminary steps toward the actualization of the project. During the assessment, the delegation reviewed the suitability of the location and discussed technical and logistical requirements for the tak...

By Jalingo Times The Taraba State Government has constituted a Task Force on the Recovery and Confiscation of Government Lands allegedly taken over by individuals and organisations across the state. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, disclosed this in a press release dated August 24, 2026, stating that Governor Agbu Kefas approved the constitution of the task force. According to the release, the committee is chaired by Nelson Nathaniel Banker, while Abel Bako Lau will serve as Secretary. Other members include Atiku Muhammed of the Taraba State Geographic Information Service (TAGIS), Daniel Gelle Kwanchi, Muhammad Lawal Buba of TAGIS, Awudu Ishaya Gani, Umaru Adamu Leme and Jacob Andenura Ahmadu. Representatives of the Police, SSG’s Office, Ministries of Environment, Education and Justice are also members of the task force. The committee is expected to focus on the recovery and confiscation of government lands that have been taken...

By Jako Keke ,August 24, 2026. Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has received reports from the Zonal Security Summit Committee and the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land around the Government House for its proposed expansion. Receiving the security summit report, Governor Kefas commended members of the committee for their dedication and commitment to the assignment, particularly their decision to tour the three senatorial zones and engage directly with residents. He assured the committee that the recommendations contained in the report would receive careful consideration and be implemented by the state government. Earlier, Chairman of the committee and Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, said the committee carried out its assignment in accordance with the mandate given by the Governor. Bonzena explained that members visited the three senatorial zones, interacted with residents in their communities, listened to their c...