“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.
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.
Kefas and his Chairmen: The New Direction
– Emmanuel Bello
Governor Agbu Kefas is clearly on the threshold of history in local governments administration. With some of the most trusted hands in local politics voted in last Saturday as chairmen, Dr Kefas is now focused on literally rolling in the tanks on the grassroots. “My dream is to give the people what they want not just what we want”, he said.
During the new chairmen swearing in Monday, Gov Kefas did not leave anyone in doubts on this new direction at the local levels. He told his audience that local government administration is the fulcrum of development. He repeated the oft repeated axiom that all politics is local. He rightly noted that if developments does not sink to the wards and the units levels, governance have failed. Kefas also said a successful local government regime will translate into over all development of the state. “I believe that the nation is where it is today because local government administration has failed. We need to inject life and energy back to the government closest to the people”, he said.
Invariably, that’s the new kind of local government Dr Kefas is envisioning for Taraba state. One that is alive and responsive to the yearnings of the local populace. Not the comatose entities the local councils have now become with chairmen treated as common appointed aides. Kefas said, “I want my chairmen to be like semi governors in their own local governments, taking full charge. I don’t subscribe to a weakened system that has turned chairmen into chair boys.”
Consequently, the governor’s plan is to make the LGAs viable, effective and very modern. To do this effectively, Gov Kefas plans to deploy not just the resources needed but the right technologies. He urged the newly sworn chairmen to leverage on technology in monitoring IGR and other growth indices.
With greater funding comes greater responsibilities. Kefas believes that a well equipped chairmen body will have no excuse but to deliver. Meanwhile, the governor, from today, will unleash a training program on the chairmen to start them off on the path of the reorientatation they all require. Old mindset and a tendency to be slothful would be dealth with at the retreat. Indeed, the local governments are set to jerk back to life.
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.
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