…Grants clemency to 24 inmates
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has announced a N2.5 billion people-centred package covering poverty relief, youth empowerment and crisis recovery, as well as far-reaching commitments on grassroots development, teachers’ welfare, electricity, fiscal transparency and public accountability.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the Governor said the package comprises N500 million for TARABA CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme from October 2026 to March 2027; N1 billion additional funding for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency; and N1 billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected communities.
Kefas, who first announced TARABA CARES during the 35th anniversary of the state in August, said it will prioritize widows with dependants, elderly persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable families. He directed implementing agencies to publish assistance available, eligibility criteria, registration processes and a complaints channel, insisting that selection must be based on verified need and not on political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or personal connections.
He also directed the Youth Development Agency to publish its programmes and selection criteria and to report publicly on skills, livelihoods and enterprises supported, while the crisis-recovery intervention will be guided by verified need with all expenditure publicly accounted for.
The Governor reassured retired public servants that pension payments would continue, stating that their years of service deserve respect and dignity.
On grassroots development, Kefas announced that the 168-Ward Quick Impact Development Programme will be unveiled before the end of October 2026, with each ward to receive a small but visible project selected according to genuine local need identified by communities themselves.
He also announced the Taraba Teachers’ Welfare, Professionalisation and Housing Programme to commence in 2027, with a time-bound committee to consult teachers and unions on welfare, professional standards, salary improvements and a realistic housing scheme, especially for rural areas. According to him, from 2027, the state will also develop measures to harness its rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands for fisheries, food security and employment.
Addressing concerns over the state’s finances, the Governor admitted that his administration inherited debts which it continues to service alongside salaries, pensions and projects. He said while lawful financing facilities have been accessed where necessary, such facilities must be affordable, transparent and productive. He therefore directed financial authorities to release a clear, reconciled and accessible statement on the verified debt position, inherited obligations, amounts approved and drawn, repayments and projects financed.
“Our books must be open to lawful scrutiny, our projects must be visible and our decisions must be explainable,” he said.
On electricity, Kefas congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government on victory in the international arbitration over the proposed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and expressed readiness to cooperate for its responsible execution. He however said Taraba would not place its entire energy future on one project, and directed the Taraba State Electricity Commission to assess sites for small and medium hydropower, solar and other generation sources.
On the collapsed Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari federal highway, the Governor acknowledged the hardship caused and thanked the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission for commencing reconstruction, but said progress has not matched urgency. He directed the Ministry of Works and the Secretary to the Government of the State to engage the NEDC and the contractor and submit within seven days a verified status report and realistic timetable for completion.
“The people do not need another speech about Namnai Bridge. They need a safe and completed bridge,” he stated, adding that government will strengthen flood control, drainage and early-warning systems.
Kefas also announced a stakeholders meeting on October 3 with the Artisanal Mining Association, host communities and environmental professionals to establish standards for registration, safety, mercury control, environmental restoration and prohibition of child labour.
He unveiled “OUR TARABA, OUR RESPONSIBILITY,” a civic and environmental initiative for forest protection, tree planting, waste disposal and responsible citizenship, and warned that those who organize violence or sponsor criminality will face firm action within the law.
In exercise of powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, and following consultation with the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Kefas granted clemency to 24 inmates whose cases were duly reviewed based on justice, rehabilitation and humanitarian considerations.
“The mandate you gave me will remain a mandate for service. The resources of Taraba will be used to develop Taraba,” he concluded.
