Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government on Nigeria’s victory in the international arbitration concerning the proposed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
He welcomed the removal of a major legal obstacle and expressed Taraba State’s readiness to cooperate with the Federal Government to move the proposed project forward responsibly, with proper protection for host communities and the environment.
The Governor said Taraba would not place its entire energy future on one large federal project. He directed the Taraba State Electricity Commission and other relevant institutions to assess suitable sites and prepare credible investment opportunities for small and medium hydropower, solar energy and other forms of electricity generation.
On the Namnai Bridge, Governor Kefas acknowledged the hardship, economic disruption and loss of lives caused by the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari federal highway.
He appreciated Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the North East Development Commission for awarding and commencing reconstruction, the Governor said progress had not matched the urgency of the situation or the expectations of the people.
He directed the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, working with the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, to engage immediately with the NEDC, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the contractor.
Within seven days, the Governor expects a verified report on the project’s status, the challenges affecting construction and a realistic timetable for sustained work and completion. The outcome will be communicated to the public.
“The State Government will also continue to strengthen flood control, drainage, erosion management, early-warning systems emergency preparedness across Taraba.
“The people do not need another speech about Namnai Bridge. They need a safe and completed bridge,” Governor Kefas said.
The Governor announced that the Taraba State 168-Ward Quick Impact Development Programme would be unveiled before the end of October 2026.
“Each ward will receive a small but visible project selected according to genuine local need – he said.
According to him, Communities will help identify their priorities, while success will be measured by completed projects and benefits delivered-not merely by announcements.
Governor Kefas also announced the Taraba Teachers’ Welfare, Professionalisation and Housing Programme, scheduled to begin in 2027.
“A time-bound implementation committee will consult teachers and their unions, review welfare and professional standards, examine sustainable salary improvements and develop a realistic housing programme, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities.
“The State will also develop strategic measures from 2027 to harness its rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands for fisheries, food security, processing, employment and community livelihoods.
Governor Kefas announced N2.5 Billion in approved funding for vulnerable households, young people and crisis-affected communities.
“The package comprises N500 Million for TARABA CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme running from October 2026 to March 2027; an additional N1 Billion for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency; and N1 Billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected parts of the State.
Governor Kefas said he first announced TARABA CARES during celebrations marking Taraba State’s 35th anniversary in August.
“The programme will give priority to households facing severe hardship, including widows with dependants, older persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable families – he stated.
The Governor directed the responsible agencies to publish the assistance available, eligibility requirements and registration process. He said selection must be based on verified need-not political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or personal connections-and that a clear complaints channel must be provided.
According to him, the Taraba State Youth Development Agency is also required to publish its programme, selection criteria and application process, and report publicly on the skills, livelihoods, enterprises and opportunities supported by the additional N1 Billion.
“Implementation of the separate N1 Billion crisis-recovery intervention will be guided by verified need and will prioritise the most severely affected families and communities. All expenditure is to be publicly accounted for.
Governor Kefas also reassured retired public servants that ongoing pension payments would continue.
“You served Taraba, and your years of service deserve respect and dignity. Your welfare remains a priority, and we will continue working to meet our obligations to you,” he added.
For a better society
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