Celebrating his third year in office, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba state said his administration inherited serious challenges in critical sectors in 2023 but chose the path of “responsibility, resilience and action” rather than blame.
n an anniversary address to rhe atate delivered on Friday in Jalingo, the governor Kefas stated that one of the earliest decisions of his administration was the declaration of a state of emergency in education, leading to the expansion of free and compulsory basic education, improved learning environments and support for teachers and institutions across the state.
The governor also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to reposition tertiary institutions, particularly Taraba State University, through infrastructural interventions, reforms and dialogue aimed at restoring academic stability and improving learning conditions.
Speaking on healthcare, Kefas said the administration had strengthened primary healthcare systems and embarked on major projects, including the renovation of the State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo, remodeling of General Hospitals in Bali and Warwar, upgrading of the First Referral Hospital in Donga to a General Hospital, procurement of a CT-Scan machine, and construction works at the College of Health Technology in Takum.
On infrastructure, the governor listed several ongoing road projects across the state, including the Mararaba–Biassa Abong Road, Yerima–Gassol Road, Pamanga–Dakka Road, Zing–Yakoko–Lamma Road, Takum–Lissam Road, Wukari–Kente–Chinkai Road, and township roads in Jalingo and Wukari.
He further revealed that the proposed Ibi Bridge across River Benue was receiving serious attention from the Federal Government, while feasibility studies were ongoing for bridge projects along the Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors.
Kefas said his administration was also pursuing transportation reforms through the remodeling of motor parks, development of trailer parks and construction of standard markets across the 16 local government areas.
The governor noted that government had continued to support agriculture and livestock development to boost food security, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and create economic opportunities for citizens.
In the area of energy, he said the state was implementing solar power, mini-grid and rural electrification projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kefas also highlighted reforms in environmental protection, mining regulation, digital governance and civil service welfare, noting that the establishment of the Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS) was improving land administration and transparency.
On youth empowerment, the governor said the administration established the Youth Development Agency and Sports Commission as separate entities to improve coordination and youth-focused programmes.
According to him, 296 youths have already registered under the state empowerment programme, while government approved the release of N500 million for starter packs expected to commence in June 2026.
The governor further announced plans for the creation of 14 Special Development Areas from 2027 to deepen grassroots governance, improve security coordination and accelerate development in underserved communities.
Kefas thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, civil servants, development partners and citizens of the state for their support over the past three years.
“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,” the governor stated.
