


Empowering Taraba: First Lady Initiates Transformative Partnerships for Progress
In a remarkable move towards fostering economic growth and sustainability, the First Lady of Taraba, Mrs Agyin Kefas, proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solar Sisters Nigeria, a distinguished solar entrepreneurship organization. The collaborative effort is geared towards empowering women entrepreneurs throughout the three senatorial zones of Taraba State, leveraging the transformative potential of clean energy.
The MoU signals a commitment to harnessing clean energy as a catalyst for economic empowerment, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in driving sustainable development. Mrs. Agyin expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to create positive change and foster economic resilience across the state.
In parallel, she engaged in fruitful discussions with the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA) and the National Human Rights Commission, marking a strategic move towards reinforcing existing collaborations. The collective aim is to combat HIV/AIDS in Taraba and champion the protection of human rights throughout the state. The First Lady emphasized the importance of unity in addressing these pressing issues and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that collaboration can yield.
These partnerships underscore a shared commitment to progress, empowerment, and the overall well-being of the Taraba community. [Wife’s Name] expresses excitement about the positive impact these initiatives are poised to make, reinforcing her dedication to advancing the state’s socio-economic landscape.

Broadcast Journalists: Championing Professional Growth through Vital Training Initiative
In a demonstration of unwavering commitment to media excellence, the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo welcomed participants to a crucial training session aimed at enhancing the skills of broadcast journalists in the state.
Recognizing the pivotal role of media in society, the commissioner stressed the need for regular training sessions to keep media professionals abreast of industry changes.
For an extended period, broadcast journalists in the state have faced a training gap, impacting their productivity. The current initiative seeks to address this shortfall, providing journalists with the knowledge necessary for optimal performance in their daily practices.
She highlighted the importance of understanding evolving industry trends, such as the shift from analogue to digital broadcasting and the rise of user-generated content. Emphasizing adherence to the “Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” set by stakeholders in the industry, the governor approved funds for this critical training.
The “Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” a document governed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), plays a crucial role in guiding broadcasters. The training is a deliberate effort under Governor Kefas’s “MOVING FORWARD” agenda to ensure quality broadcasting. The governor believes that effective communication of government policies and programs hinges on the broadcast media’s flexibility and extensive reach.
Expressing optimism, Barr. Zainab expects the training not only to enhance professionalism among broadcast journalists but also to mitigate issues related to breaches of the broadcasting code. Such breaches often lead to substantial financial sanctions imposed by the NBC.
Addressing the participants, the commissioner urged them to give their full attention to the series of lectures and presentations scheduled for the training. With the official declaration, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo signaled the commencement of this pivotal workshop, marking a significant stride toward a more proficient and compliant broadcast media sector.

Bayelsa Guber: Gov. Kefas Congratulates Diri, Says it’s Victory for Democracy
Taraba state helmsman, Governor Agbu Kefas has congratulated the winner of the just concluded election in Bayelsa State, Mr. Douye Diri.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas said the win was a victory for democracy. He said it is also a vote of confidence on Diri’s clear cut giant strides in developmental efforts in the state.
Kefas, who was the Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council to the state, noted that the Bayelsa poll has shown that democracy is still the best form of government because “it is the true reflection of the People’s will.”
Consequently, Kefas said the contest demonstrated the popularity of Governor Diri and the acceptability of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa.
He commended the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for painstakingly following procedures inspite of the daunting challenges.
Kefas called on all politicians in Bayelsa state to accept the will of the majority and put the state first above all other sentiments.

Gov. Agbu Kefas Bemoans Ibi Boat Mishap; Says Govt Already Working on Measures
Governor Agbu Kefas has described the latest boat mishap at Ibi as a terrible tragedy, coming shortly after one of its kind at Karim Lamido. He condoled with the good people of Ibi and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
Kefas said this occurrence is even more unfortunate coming on the heels of another tragic boat capsize in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning. He said the government was already on top of the situation as various investigations were underway to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the boat accidents in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Kefas said he would soon personally tour the affected areas with the aim of meeting with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors. He reiterated his earlier commitment to making water transport safe for passengers, noting that aqua tourism and investment is central to his overall economic agenda.
Relatedly, it would be recalled that Governor Kefas promptly mobilized a team led by the Deputy Governor to Karim Lamido after the tragedy that equally claimed many lives. The team, after meeting stakeholders, concluded that the government would be enforcing safety standards among other measures.
Governor Kefas said old boats would soon be phased out, and the use of life jackets made compulsory among other life-saving measures.
-Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications

Gov. Kefas Condoles With Teachers Over Death of Colleague; Orders Investigation
Governor Agbu Kefas has sent a heartfelt condolence to the family and colleagues of Mr Bassey Sarduana Nkuphee who was stabbed by a student in Jalingo. Mr Nkuphee was a teacher with the Government Day Secondary School, Jalingo. He was said to be stabbed by an aggrieved ex student who was earlier scolded by the teacher.
But in a press statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas strongly condemned the action of the student and said a thorough investigation would be carried out. He decried the use of drugs by some youths. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased. Kefas said no teacher ought to lost their lives while imparting knowledge, describing the occurrence as highly regrettable.
Relatedly, he said the free education policy is aimed at securing the future of the youths. The governor said part of the free education policy is to ensure the welfare and well-being of both the teachers and students. He emphasized the need to secure schools and make them safe for learning.
He further noted that the stabbing incidence is an indication of the rot in the society and a wake up call for parents and all stakeholders to intensify their supervisory roles of their wards at home and in the schools.
Governor Kefas doubled down on his commitment to ensuring that the educational system is thoroughly purged of all that has been bedevilling it.
Gov. Agbu Kefas receives report from the Obadiah Ando – led Committee on the streamlining of MDAs at Government House.
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has decried the lack of a master plan for the state capital and the state generally. He said the lack of a master plan has made proper planning and projections difficult. He lamented that many things in the state are not right, adding that he inherited lots of challenges when he took over.
He said Wednesday when the Obadiah Ando led Committee on the streamlining of ministries, departments and government agencies submitted its report at Government House.
Earlier in his remarks, Ando, a former federal minister and Secretary to the Taraba State Government, said the task they undertook was a daunting one. He highlighted some of the challenges encountered during the course of their work.
Ando said the reports contained details of how the MDAs should be streamlined to avoid overlapping and expensive repetitions of duties. He commended members of the committee that included seasoned state and federal civil servants.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Obadiah Ando.
Ando noted that some of the ministries need to be unbundled to reduce their work loads. He said the office of the Head of Service should not be responsible for paying salaries. He stressed that salary payments should be the job of the Accountant General office.
Ando stressed the need for more refresher courses for top level staff.
Speaking on the assignment, Dr Kefas said he would implement the findings of the committee to the letter. He stressed that the sterling team that did the job can be trusted to deliver.
On the need for committees and trainings, he said those criticising his effort at retreats and setting up committees are bereft of how administration works. He said training, workshops and seminars are very pivotal to an enlightened work force.
The committee comprised of former Head of Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, Chief of Staff to Taraba Governor, Dr Jeji Williams, former Taraba state Head of Service, Augustine Banzing among others.
– Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications.