“Taraba Has No Master Plan” – Gov. Agbu Kefas
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.
He enjoined his team to work assiduously as a unit to actualize his dreams for the state. He promised to promptly set up a White Paper committee to come up with a summary of the reports.
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.
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.
Gov. Agbu Kefas Assures NYSC of his Administration’s Partnership
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas delivering his speech at the NYSC orientation camp.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday at the NYSC Orientation camp in Jalingo during the end of the 2023 Batch C Stream One Orientation Course.
After the inspection of the guard of honour and parade, the Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas assured Corps Members that would be posted to teach in schools of the commitment so far made by his administration and urged them to be diligent in their places of primary assignment.
According to Dr Agbu Kefas, his administration will do its best to ensure the welfare and security of corps members and encourage them to be up and doing.
The Governor noted that the performance of the Corps Members in the camp shows there is hope for the country and all that is required is mobilization and engagement of the youth.
The NYSC Coordinator in Taraba State, Mr Anthony Nzoka, in his speech said in over a decade Dr Agbu Kefas is the only Governor that attended the Closing of the orientation exercise.
The Deputy Governor, SGS, Head of Service, other dignitaries present at the event.
The NYSC Coordinator urged the corps members to stay away from politics, negative usage of social media, and anything that can tarnish the good name of the scheme.
He stressed the need for them to respect the norms and culture of their host communities and strived to make an impact on them through community development activities.
The Governor was accompanied to the camp by top government functionaries.
– Hassan Garba.
Kefas Palliative Market: Gov. Agbu Kefas Inspects Rehabilitation of Market
Gov. Agbu Kefas Inspection of Market during visit
The Governor disclosed this on Tuesday when he paid an inspection visit to the site of the Market.
Commenting on the level of work so far executed, Dr Agbu Kefas expressed satisfaction and said the market will commence activities very soon.
The Company handling the project, Mesoto Group Limited said they will deliver the project in a few weeks.
The Managing Director of the company Mr Jerry Damara and Mr Nixon Dickson spoke on the progress of work so far.
– Hassan Garba.
Governor Agbu Kefas stated this on Tuesday at the Exco Chamber Government House Jalingo when the new Auditor General of the federation paid him Courtesy visit.
Receiving the newly appointed Auditor General of the Federation Mr Shaakaa Kanitor Chira, at the government house Jalingo, the Governor expressed happiness that an indigene of the state is occupying the position.
He urged him to use his new place of assignment and make inputs to the growth and development of the state.
Earlier the Auditor General of the Federation, said he was in the state to thank the good people for their prayers and support.
The Auditor General of the Federation informed the Governor that since his assumption of a office, he has set a motion towards ensuring that he cleared arrears of audit reports of 2020, to 2022.
While soliciting for prayers and support of the people, Mr Shaakaa, added that he has a mission to restore the lost glory of office so that staff will work without sentiment.
The Auditor General was accompanied on the visit by some stakeholders from Donga Local Government area of Taraba State including the paramount ruler of the area Gara Donga, His Royal Highness Ambassador Sanvala Varzoa Shimbura .
– Hassan Garba