Press Statement: Taraba PDP Mourns the Departure of Its Former Chairman
The People’s Democratic Party, Taraba state chapter is deeply sadden by news of the death of her former chairman Chief Victor Bala Kona (Garkuwan Bakundi), which occurred early today 27th August 2023 in Abuja.
Late Chief Victor Bala Kona (Garkuwan Bakundi) was chairman of the Party from March 2012 to August 2020, during which he worked tirelessly for the growth and sustained leadership streak of the party in the state.
His loss at this time of our political journey is sad and colossal as the government and party that he had assiduously worked for would have continued to benefit from his fountain of wisdom and knowledge.
May God grant us all the fortitude and succour to bear his absence and grant the party his replacement.
Signed:
Andeta’rang Irammae,
State Publicity Secretary.
Gov. Agbu Kefas Mourns the Demise of Hon. Victor Bala Kona
The Executive Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of the former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Taraba State, Chief Victor Bala Kona.
This was contained in a press release signed by the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Media and Digital Communications, Hon. Emmanuel Bello.
It states that Chief Victor Bala Kona’s departure leaves a void not only in the political realm but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a father and an exemplary family man. His legacy as a political icon will be etched in history and revered for generations to come. His wisdom and experience are irreplaceable, making his untimely passing all the more poignant.
That in this moment of grief, Governor Kefas extends his condolences to the bereaved family and all those who share in this profound loss. The pain is deep, and the absence is irreparable, but may Hon. Victor Bala Kona’s soul find eternal rest.
Taraba @32: Gov. Agbu Kefas Reassures of His Commitments to Move the State Forward
The Executive Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has reinterates his commitment to move Taraba state forward.
The Governor gave the assurance in his message to mark the 32nd anniversary of Taraba state and said that he is using this occasion to celebrate our diversity and unity with the sole purpose of developing together as a People.
“It’s Three (3) decades and Two (2) years – when our dear State was created this day in 1991 by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.”
“With over 2,200,000 Residents, Taraba is hosting the scenic and prominent Mambilla Plateau with over 80 different tribes and their languages. I am using this occasion to celebrate our diversity and unity with the sole purpose of developing together as a People.”
“Today, we remember our Heroes, founding Fathers, Elder-statesmen and patriots – alive or resting. Our tales aren’t that of pity but of a State with many Nations, evolving against all odds. I salute our Senior Citizens for all their sacrifices. I appreciate our Workforce; we can’t overlook the effort of young People who are always at the forefront of projecting the Good of our dear State.”
“So far, within some months under my watch, we have laid a new solid foundation for our dear State. I am intentional about new collaborations, engagement and innovative ideas that will further boost our Economy cum livelihood. The results of our planting, will be in the bountiful harvest thereafter.”
“Let me reinterate, we will continue to do all within our reach to move Taraba from where we met it. It’s all about Taraba #MovingForward always.”
The Governor, on behalf of his team, wished Tarabans a happy 32nd Anniversary of the creation of Taraba state
Gov. Agbu Kefas Seeks More TETFUND Presence In Taraba
Dr. Agbu Kefas during his visit to TETFUND Headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has called on the management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to build more entrepreneurship centres in Taraba State.
He said such centres will assist in training youths in different skills that will enable them to earn a living without depending on the government.
The governor made the demand on Friday while interacting with officials of TETFUND
He also requested the construction of e-libraries and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres to cater to students sitting for the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other examinations.
Dr. Agbu Kefas avowed that any TETFUND project in the state would be personally supervised by him.
“A partnership with TETFUND is necessary to have quality education in the state,” he declared.
Briefing the officials on his declaration of a free education policy and downward review of school fees at higher institutions, Kefas identified lack of education as the key reason for insecurity in the state and the country at large.
“When everyone is in school, nobody will be engaged in going about perpetrating evil,” he stated.
TETFUND’s executive secretary, Sonny Echono, said the request of the governor will be treated as one of the frontline issues.
Affirming that TETFUND has been in some institutions in the state carrying out physical structures and training staff, he reiterated the readiness of the body to improve its partnership with Taraba State.
Subsidy: Kefas to Trim Agencies, Reduce Cost of Governance – SA Media and Digital Communications
As states device means to cut down on cost of governance, Governor Agbu Kefas has moved to trim the number of agencies, harmonize functions, while making them more viable.
Already a committee headed by former Secretary to the State Government Chief Obadiah Ando has been mandated to look at how to trim departments and agencies to reduce repetition of duties and unnecessary expenditure. The effort will also reduce confusion of duties and clashes among state actors as far as roles are concerned.
Constituting the body that will be coordinated by the office of the Chief of Staff, Dr. Jeji Williams, Mni, Dr Agbu Kefas asked them to find ways to make MDA’s more responsive to new realities. Proliferation of functions can cripple efficiency, he noted. Some of the agencies would be merged, while new ones may be created.
Relatedly, Gov Kefas is committed to plugging leakages in the system and ensuring that scarce resources are prudently used to better the lives of the state citizenry.
The governor has continue to emphasize reticence and transparency in all government dealings to stave off extravagance in expenditures.
The focus of the meeting was to strategize the enhancement of healthcare provisions, aiming to position Government Hospitals as premier healthcare institutions within the state with a commitment to elevate healthcare offerings and optimize the functionality of Government Hospitals, which is one of the administration’s clear-cut vision.
As part of this overarching objective, the introduction of mobile clinics across the state is on the horizon, poised to complement the existing hospital network and further extend healthcare accessibility to all corners of Taraba.