By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has expressed his administration’s determination in the protection of lives and properties of the citizens.
He stated this in his message on the celebration of Taraba @35 years.
“No development policy can succeed where people are afraid to
farm, travel, trade or live peacefully.
Our administration has strengthened cooperation with security agencies, traditional institutions,local authorities and
communities.
“We have provided operational vehicles and motorcycles.
We have supported security formations. We are strengthening intelligence and paying closer attention to vulnerable corridors, forests,border communities and areas expose to criminal activities. But security cannot depend on force alone.”
He urged citizens to confront drug abuse, cultism, youth
unemployment, criminal recruitment, illegal mining, land
disputes and social exclusion.
“Our objective is not simply to respond after violence occurs.
Our objective is to prevent it, disrupt it and defeat the conditions
that allow violence to develop.
Security belongs to everybody.
Government has a role.
Security agencies have a role.
Traditional rulers have a role.
Religious leaders have a role.
Parents have a role. Local governments have a role, Communities have a role.
And every citizen has a responsibility to report dangerous activity before it become tragedy.
According to him, in Taraba State, traditional institutions must never be regarded merely as ceremonial structures adding that they remain among the institutions closest to our people.
“Our traditional rulers understand their communities, their
history and the relationships among families, clans and
communities. They often recognise emerging tensions long before such tensions reach Government offices or security formations.
“That makes them indispensable partners in governance,
peacebuilding, grassroots
development and community security.”
Governor Kefas disclosed that Taditional rulers have an important role in early warning.
“They have a role in identifying emerging threats. They have a role in mediating communal and land disputes before they become violent. They have a role in discouraging drug abuse,cultism and criminal recruitment.
“They help Government understand what ordinary citizens
are experiencing at the grassroots.
Effective governance cannot operate only from Jalingo.
Government must hear from the villages,districts, chiefdoms
and emirates. But partnership also comes with responsibility.
Traditional rulers must remain fathers to all. They must rise above partisan politics.”
He warn that Traditional authority must never be used to promote
injustice, ethnic division, political intimidation or
discrimination.
“Government will therefore continue to respect and support
our traditional institutions while expecting neutrality, fairness, integrity and commitment to peace.
We also want a stronger early-warning culture.
“Suspicious movements, dangerous weapons,criminal activity in forests, border areas, mining communities or isolated
settlements must be reported quickly through appropriate
local and security structures.
Security must begin before an attack occurs”, he said.
On the resources of the state, he said,
“Taraba welcomes genuine investors, but investment cannot mean exploitation. Mining in Taraba must be lawful, secure,environmentally
responsible, and beneficial to host communities.
“We cannot accept a situation where people remove valuable
resources, damage the environment, create insecurity, and leave communities poorer than they found them. We will continue to oppose illegal mining.
“Taraba must not remain merely a source of raw materials for other economies- he stated.
According to history, Taraba State was created on 27 August 1991 during the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. It was carved from the former Gongola State to bring government closer to the people, improve representation and support focused development.
Named after the River Taraba, the state has Jalingo as its capital.
The creation of Taraba gave the region a distinct political identity and platform for pursuing its interests. 27 August is commemorated annually as the state’s creation anniversary.
Since its creation, Taraba has transitioned from military administration to democratic governance. Its leaders have been:
1. Adeyemi Afolahan — Military Administrator (1991–1992)
2. Jolly Nyame — Governor (1992–1993)
3. Yohanna Dickson — Military Administrator (1993–1996)
4. Amen Edore Oyakhire — Military Administrator (1996–1998)
5. Aina Owonyi — Military Administrator (1998–1999)
6. Jolly Nyame — Executive Governor (1999–2007)
7. Danbaba Suntai — Executive Governor (2007–2013)
8. Darius Dickson Ishaku — Executive Governor (2015–2023)
9. Dr Agbu Kefas — Executive Governor (2023–Present)
The development of local government administration has also strengthened grassroots governance and service delivery.
Located in northeastern Nigeria, Taraba covers about 54,473 square kilometres. It borders Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states, as well as Cameroon.
The state is known for its diverse landscape, especially the Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria’s highest plateau, with its cool climate and scenic beauty. The Benue, Donga and Taraba rivers support its fertile plains, forests and savannahs.
Taraba is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, including the Jukun, Mumuye, Tiv, Kuteb, Jenjo and Chamba. Its cultural diversity is reflected in festivals, traditional dances and crafts. Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs are widely practised.
Agriculture is central to Taraba’s economy, supporting livelihoods and food production. Major crops include maize, rice, cassava, yams, tea and coffee. The Mambilla Plateau is particularly noted for tea and coffee.
Known as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” Taraba also possesses significant mineral resources, including limestone, bauxite, gypsum and zinc. The state continues efforts to develop its mining potential while combating illegal mining.
Taraba has expanded access to education through numerous primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, including Federal University Wukari, Taraba State University, College of Education Zing and several polytechnics and health institutions. New institutions are also being developed.
Under Governor Agbu Kefas, primary and secondary education has been made free, while tuition fees in state tertiary institutions have been reduced by 50%.
More than three decades after its creation, Taraba has made progress in governance, agriculture, education and human development while facing continuing challenges. Its cultural diversity, natural resources and agricultural potential provide a strong foundation for future growth.