…Pledges more growth
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has marked the third anniversary of his administration with a public address outlining gains in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic reforms, while pledging to accelerate development in the next phase of his tenure.
Speaking on May 29, 2026, Governor Kefas said the journey since assuming office in 2023 had been one of “responsibility, resilience, and renewed hope,” noting that his government had confronted inherited deficits across multiple sectors through deliberate policy actions rather than blame.
The governor said one of the earliest steps was declaring a state of emergency in education to expand free and compulsory basic education, improve learning environments, and support teachers.
He added that tertiary institutions, particularly Taraba State University, had received targeted interventions to address infrastructural deficits, administrative challenges, and industrial disputes, noting efforts are ongoing to strengthen academic stability and restore confidence in the state’s higher education system.
In healthcare, Kefas said his administration had strengthened primary healthcare and rolled out major infrastructure projects. These include the renovation of the State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo, remodeling of General Hospitals in Bali and Warwar, upgrading Donga’s First Referral Hospital to a General Hospital, and furnishing the completed College of Nursing and Midwifery.
The government also procured a CT-scan machine for the State Specialist Hospital and renovated the College of Health Technology in Takum.
Highlighting Taraba’s agricultural potential, Kefas said the state had supported farmers and livestock development to boost food security and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
On infrastructure, he listed ongoing road projects across the state, including Mararaba–Biassa Abong, Yerima–Gassol, Pamanga–Dakka, Zing–Yakoko–Lamma, Takum–Lissam, Wukari–Kente–Chinkai, and township roads in Jalingo and Wukari.
He disclosed that the proposed Ibi Bridge across the River Benue was receiving federal attention, with feasibility studies underway for additional bridges in Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors.
In energy, he disclosed that the state is pursuing solar power, mini-grid systems, and rural electrification in line with the Taraba State Electricity Law and the federal Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kefas said his government had reformed the civil service through training, promotions, and employment drives to improve productivity while internal revenue systems have also been strengthened to block leakages and fund critical projects.
On youth development, he announced the creation of separate Youth Development Agency and Sports Commission entities, alongside a biometric database for empowerment planning. He said 296 youths had registered and ₦500 million had been approved for starter packs to be distributed from June 2026.
The governor also announced plans to create 14 Special Development Areas by 2027 to improve grassroots governance, security coordination, and access to underserved communities.
On tourism, Kefas said the state was leveraging its natural assets including the Mambilla Plateau, rivers, and cultural heritage to position Taraba as a destination for investment, job creation, and economic growth.
Looking Ahead, the governor said the next phase would focus on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening institutions, deepening security efforts, and improving service delivery.
He thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, civil servants, youths, women, development partners, the media, and citizens for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the All Progressives Congress , APC, for the confidence reposed in him.
“Three years ago, we promised commitment, service, and progress. Today, while much still remains to be done, we can confidently say that Taraba State is moving forward,” Kefas said. “Together, we have made progress. Together, we will achieve even greater things. And by the grace of God, the future of Taraba State remains bright.”
