By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has released a total of N2.5 billion to support youth empowerment, crisis recovery and vulnerable citizens across the state.
The funds, presented through cheques at the Taraba State Government House in Jalingo, include N1 billion to the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for crisis relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other affected local government areas.
Another N1 billion was released to the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, led by Comrade Gara Nonga, to continue the youth business start-up programme, while N500 million was allocated to Taraba CARES for vulnerable citizens.
The governor said the interventions represented a major investment in the future of Taraba State, adding that the N1 billion intervention for the Taraba Youth Development Agency was aimed at strengthening youth-focused programmes, skills development, livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment.
“Our young people deserve more than promises. They deserve opportunities to acquire skills, build enterprises, earn sustainable livelihoods and become active contributors to the development of our state,” he said.
He said another N1 billion had been earmarked to support Karim Lamido and other communities affected by crises across Taraba State.
“For families and communities that have experienced displacement, loss of livelihoods and economic hardship, this intervention represents an important step towards recovery, reconstruction and renewed hope.
“Government must stand with its people in difficult times, and this intervention demonstrates that principle,” he said.
He revealed that the additional N500 million Taraba CARES intervention was to provide support for vulnerable households, including persons living with disabilities and others facing serious socioeconomic hardship.
“This is the essence of inclusive governance: ensuring that the vulnerable are not forgotten and that development reaches beyond those who are already privileged,” he said.
He said the significance of the intervention went beyond the N2.5 billion, describing it as part of a broader approach to governance centred on youth development, social protection, grassroots intervention, community recovery and inclusive development.