29/05/2026
PUBLIC ADDRESS
THREE YEARS ANNIVERSARY: A JOURNEY OF RESPONSIBILITY, RESILIENCE, AND RENEWED HOPE
By
Dr. Agbu Kefas
Executive Governor, Taraba State
May 29, 2026
My dear people of Taraba State,
Today marks three years since you entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as your Governor.
Three years ago, we embarked on this journey together with faith, determination, and a shared vision to move Taraba State forward.
Over these years, we have faced challenges, made difficult decisions, and encountered moments that tested our collective strength. Yet, through unity, patience, and shared sacrifice, we have continued to make steady progress.
As your Governor, I have remained guided by the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, promote the welfare of our citizens, and uphold fairness, justice, and accountability in governance.
A GOVERNMENT BUILT ON RESPONSIBILITY
When this administration came into office in 2023, we inherited serious challenges across many sectors.
We met infrastructure deficits.
We met gaps in education and healthcare.
We met security concerns affecting many communities.
We met economic difficulties impacting families and young people.
These challenges were daunting, but not insurmountable.
Rather than complain or engage in blame games, we chose the path of action.
EDUCATION
One of the earliest decisions of this administration was the declaration of a state of emergency in education.
We took deliberate steps to:
Expand access to free and compulsory basic education
Improve learning environments
Support teachers and educational institutions
Restore confidence in the future of our children
We strongly believe that education remains the greatest investment any government can make for sustainable development.
Beyond basic education, our administration has also continued to reposition tertiary institutions across the State.
We inherited institutions burdened by infrastructural deficits, administrative challenges, and persistent industrial disputes, particularly at Taraba State University.
Government took deliberate and responsible steps to address these issues through dialogue, reforms, infrastructural interventions, and improved stakeholder engagement.
Today, efforts are ongoing to strengthen academic stability, improve learning conditions, expand institutional development, and restore confidence in our tertiary education system.
Our objective remains clear: to build institutions capable of producing skilled, competitive, and productive graduates for the future.
HEALTHCARE
In healthcare delivery, our administration has continued to strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve access to services, especially for vulnerable members of society.
Our objective remains clear: to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our people.
In addition to healthcare reforms and improved service delivery, government has embarked on several critical healthcare infrastructure projects across the State, including:
Renovation and remodeling of the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo
Remodeling of General Hospital, Bali
Upgrading of the First Referral Hospital, Donga, to a General Hospital
Furnishing of the completed College of Nursing and Midwifery
Procurement of a CT-Scan machine for the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo
Renovation and remodeling of General Hospital, Warwar
Renovation and construction of new structures at the College of Health Technology, Takum
These interventions are aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, improving medical training, and expanding access to quality healthcare services. Many more interventions are underway.
AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Taraba State remains blessed with enormous agricultural potential.
Over the past three years, government has continued to support farmers, encourage agricultural expansion, and position Taraba as a major contributor to food security in Nigeria.
We are also taking deliberate steps to improve livestock development, reduce conflicts associated with farming activities, and create better economic opportunities for citizens.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROAD DEVELOPMENT
My dear people,
One major challenge limiting economic growth and transportation development in our State is poor road infrastructure.
Today, several critical road projects are ongoing across Taraba State, including:
Mararaba – Biassa Abong Road
Yerima – Gassol Road
Pamanga – Dakka Road
Zing – Yakoko – Lamma Road
Takum – Lissam Road
Wukari – Kente – Chinkai Road
Jalingo Township Roads
Wukari Township Roads
Rehabilitation of Wukari – Tella Road and Jalingo to Adamawa Border at Zing
Other strategic roads, including Mararaba–Kunini and Lau roads, are also scheduled for commencement.
Additionally, several projects and bridges are ongoing through the support of the North East Development Commission.
I am pleased to inform the people of Taraba State that the proposed Ibi Bridge across River Benue is receiving serious Federal Government attention.
Furthermore, feasibility studies are ongoing for proposed bridge projects across the Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors of River Benue.
These projects are expected to improve connectivity, enhance trade, and stimulate economic activities across the State.
TRANSPORTATION REFORMS
Government recognizes the need for a modern transportation system that supports growth and development.
Accordingly, we are working toward a comprehensive transportation reform programme that includes:
Remodeling of motor parks
Development of modern trailer parks
Construction of standard markets across the 16 Local Government Areas
This forms part of our long-term vision to modernize commerce, improve mobility, and create a more organized transport system.
ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
In line with the Taraba State Electricity Law and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, government has continued efforts to improve electricity access through:
Solar power initiatives
Mini-grid systems
Rural electrification projects in collaboration with the Federal Government
These interventions are aimed at improving livelihoods, supporting businesses, and enhancing development across our communities.
ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT
Upon assumption of office, we inherited a sector with enormous potential but limited coordination, inadequate regulation, and insufficient environmental protection mechanisms.
In response, our administration initiated reforms aimed at promoting responsible mining activities, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Government has strengthened monitoring and coordination within the solid minerals sector while engaging relevant stakeholders to curb illegal mining and improve transparency.
At the same time, we have continued to support environmental protection initiatives, erosion control measures, afforestation efforts, and climate-related interventions across vulnerable communities in partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government.
Our objective remains clear: to ensure that Taraba’s natural resources become a source of prosperity, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity for present and future generations.
DIGITAL GOVERNANCE
The establishment of the Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS) represents another important step toward transparency and modernization.
TAGIS is helping government improve land administration, planning systems, and digital governance processes in line with global best practices.
CIVIL SERVICE WELFARE, EMPLOYMENT AND REFORMS
My administration recognizes that the civil service remains the engine room of government.
When we assumed office, the service faced several operational and welfare challenges affecting productivity and morale.
Over the past three years, we have implemented reforms aimed at improving efficiency, staff welfare, training, and service delivery.
Government has supported training and retraining programmes, promotion exercises, employment opportunities, and institutional reforms designed to strengthen workforce capacity.
We remain committed to building a professional, motivated, and result-oriented civil service capable of driving sustainable development.
REVENUE GENERATION AND ECONOMIC REFORMS
My dear people,
Sustainable development requires prudent financial management and improved revenue generation.
Over the past three years, government has strengthened internal revenue systems, improved transparency, blocked leakages, and enhanced financial accountability across relevant institutions.
We have also pursued reforms aimed at expanding the State’s economic base through agriculture, commerce, mining, investment promotion, and digital governance initiatives.
These efforts are gradually improving government's capacity to fund critical infrastructure and deliver essential services.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Taraba State remains one of the most naturally gifted states in Nigeria.
From the Mambilla Plateau to our rich cultural heritage, rivers, mountains, forests, and festivals, our tourism potential is enormous.
Government has continued efforts to reposition tourism through infrastructure development, environmental improvement, cultural promotion, and investor engagement.
We are determined to transform Taraba into a major tourism and hospitality destination capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, and stimulating economic growth.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS
My dear youths,
Our administration strongly believes that the future of Taraba State depends largely on the empowerment and development of young people.
That is why we established the Youth Development Agency and the Sports Commission as separate entities to ensure focused attention and better coordination.
We have also commissioned biometric data-capturing facilities to create a reliable database for youth development planning and empowerment programmes.
Presently, 296 youths have successfully registered under the programme, and government has approved the release of Five Hundred Million Naira for starter packs, scheduled to commence in June 2026.
In sports development, we inherited a sector requiring revitalization and renewed structure.
Accordingly, government has commenced plans to reactivate sporting activities across the State, while sports facilities have been identified for rehabilitation and upgrade.
We believe sports remain a powerful platform for youth engagement, talent discovery, unity, and economic opportunity.
JUDICIARY REFORMS
The judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy and justice.
Our administration has continued efforts to strengthen the justice system through:
Plans for a new High Court Complex
Establishment of an office for the Judicial Service Commission
Introduction and expansion of e-filing systems
These reforms are aimed at improving efficiency and access to justice.
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS
As part of efforts to bring governance closer to the people and address developmental gaps, government has initiated plans for the creation of 14 Special Development Areas across the State.
Expected to commence in 2027, this initiative is designed to:
Improve grassroots governance
Enhance security coordination
Open up underserved communities
Accelerate development and economic opportunities
This initiative is not about expanding bureaucracy.
It is about ensuring that no community in Taraba State is left behind.
OUR COMMITMENT GOING FORWARD
My dear people,
The journey continues.
The next phase of this administration will focus on:
Expanding economic opportunities
Strengthening institutions
Deepening security efforts
Improving service delivery
Enhancing the quality of life for all citizens
APPRECIATION
I sincerely thank:
Traditional rulers
Religious leaders
Security agencies
Civil servants
Youths and women
Development partners
Media partners
And all citizens of Taraba State
for your continued support, prayers, and cooperation.
I am truly grateful.
At this point, I also wish to sincerely appreciate our great party, the APC, for the confidence reposed in me and for granting me another opportunity to serve the people of Taraba State.
I do not take this support and trust for granted.
By the grace of God, I remain fully committed to justifying this confidence through dedicated service, responsible leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our dear State.
CONCLUSION
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.
Together, we have made progress.
Together, we will achieve even greater things.
And by the grace of God, the future of Taraba State remains bright.
May God bless Taraba State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you
