Office of The SA Media and Digital Communications, Taraba State, Taraba State Government House, Jalingo (2026)

20/03/2026

TARABA STATE GOVERNOR FELICITATES MUSLIM UMMAH AT EID EL-FITR

Taraba State Governor His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas heartily felicitates Muslim Ummah in Taraba State, Nigeria and, indeed, the world over, on this auspicious occasion marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and celebration of 2026 Eid El-Fitr.

His Excellency, Dr. Kefas noted that "for weeks, you fasted and gave arms as well as other sacrifices to Allah. It was a period of deep reflection and prayer, and I am confident that Allah will answer your prayers"

"As you celebrate today, let us embrace and promote the principles that unite us rather than those who seek to divide us along religious lines."

"Taraba State is the only state we have, and we have a common responsibility to ensure its unity, security, peace, and development. Let us therefore contribute in any little way we can towards building a Taraba of our choice."

"Let me also use this opportunity to remind us that this is campaign year and we must approach partisans politics with a Godly spirit, detest violence, and have an open mind and campaign on topical issues rather than slandering others."

"Once again, I sincerely join you in celebrating this great day and pray that we would have a hitch free celebration in moderation, and share the little we have with other who do not have, in the spirit of oneness. "

HAPPY EID EL-FITR

Signed

Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas

05/03/2026

On behalf of His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas, I wish to extend our deep sympathies over the St Mary's church, Wukari fire incident. The governor also consoled with the church members, the residents of Wukari and indeed all affected. He noted that government is committed to the safety of lives and properties.

Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas

02/03/2026

"Gov Kefas, Suswam: Friendship across the years.

Emmanuel Bello

Seeing the duo of Governor Agbu Kefas and former Benue strong man, Senator Gabriel Suswam, today brought back memories. I've recounted the story before, but it bears repeating. It's a tale of how destinies sometimes are shaped by unlinked events.

The year was 2013 or so, and Taraba was engulfed in a political turmoil. The then governor, Pharmacist Danbaba Suntai, was incapacitated after a plane crash. Taraba was caught the vortex of a constitutional crisis as his deputy moved to replace him. Wukari was particularly apprehensive of the situation, bracing for the worse.

At the time, Lt col Agbu Kefas (rtd) was always home studying the development, silently working to end the perennial Tiv/Jukun crisi. One day, he told me that Governor Gabriel Suswam was coming for a visit. I was surprised. The last time I'd seen Suswam in Taraba was when he attended a ceremony where Governor Suntai was conferred with a Tiv chieftaincy title. The possibility of a governor paying a state visit to a private citizen was befuddling to me. Besides, Kefas never mentioned the governor to me and I was wondering how he had forged such great friendship. But then, that is Dr. Agbu Kefas for you: a man blessed with a skill of friendship across various lines.

By evening that day, Col kefas asked us to drive to the outskirts of Wukari towards where the present Federal University is located.

Suddenly, a long convoy of many vehicles was snaking its way to us from the Benue axis. I glanced at Col. Kefas and he looked back with that his indecipherable gaze. But he smiled. He had read my thoughts that I was in pleasant shock.

To cut a long story short, Governor Suswam came with the full paraphernalia of Benue state government. They drove in my car to Kefas' modest apartment for early dinner. Thereafter, they drove together to pay homage to the great King Aku Uka, who had assembled his chiefs for a meeting with the two great sons of the land.

Today, Suswam is in Wukari again, this time , to meet Governor Agbu Kefas. The historical import of this meeting today can't be lost on anyone who saw them back then together. And profoundly, both men are still working hard to find lasting peace in the area."
https://www.nairaland.com/8628154/gov-kefas-suswam-friendship-across #138641409

26/01/2026

Taraba: why I prioritise clearing outstanding gratuities, pensions- Governor Kefas

By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas on Monday said he has chosen to ensure that his administration clears all outstanding gratuities and pension obligations and to ensure prompt enlistment of retirees into the pension scheme to alleviate the hardship that comes with retirement.

This is coming as the Governor has approved ₦5Bn for the payment of Pensions and gratuities that have been accumulated for nearly Two decades.

The SA Media and Digital Communication to the Governor Hon. Emmanuel Bello disclose this while interacting with Journalists on Monday.

He noted that the administration met pension obligations and gratuities going back to over a decade while several retirees were not even enlisted in the pension scheme several years after retirement.

"So many people retire from service and are frustrated to early grave because their pension which their main source of livelihood is not forthcoming. As a result of these, a lot of people manipulate their records just to remain in service. Others also involve in sharp practices to siphon monies just to prepare for retirement.

"As part of our determination to reform the Civil Service in the State, we must restore the confidence of workers that they will not be abandoned at retirement. That will be a major boost to their morale and is a major foundation for whatever other reforms we have a mind.

"Since we came on board, the administration has been taking steps to clear the huge outstanding that we met. As we speak, screening is ongoing for pensioners from 2014. Already, Five Billion Naira is set aside to settle them as soon as the screening is completed.

"The committee is also instructed to reach out to retirees who are too old or sick and the disabled in their various homes to capture them. That shows the honesty of the project. The idea is to ensure that all outstanding obligations are cleared and we put in place a system where people are automatically enlisted in retirement and they get their gratuities right away" he said.

18/01/2026

DIARY OF A WORKAHOLIC GOVERNOR

Sunday: Army remembrance service Jalingo/road trip to Wukari after church

Monday: Flagging off roads in Wukari

Tuesday: Meeting with Army intelligence Chiefs in Abuja.

Wednesday: Return to Wukari via Chinkai road to inspect work

Thursday: APC E-registration rally in Wukari /Army Rememberance Day parade in Jalingo

Friday: E-registration exercise in Jalingo

Saturday: In Lau to honour invitation by Shiekh Bala Lau at the matriculation program of the College of Nursing Sciences.

Compiled by Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas

31/12/2025

Gov Kefas and Media Relations in 2025.

Emmanuel Bello

Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has always held the media in high esteem. But in 2025, he took that relationship to a whole new level by creating a conducive atmosphere for more access to information. Governor Kefas believes the government should not be a conclave but a transparent business that constantly keeps the citizenry in the know.

The NUJ

Apart from the periodic briefings with Government House Press Crew, one of the highlights of the cordial relationship the governor enjoys with the media was hosting the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) annual summit in Jalingo. Earlier in the last quarter of the year, the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdul, and his top executives had visited Jalingo to meet with the governor. During the courtesy call, the governor accepted to host the annual NEC meeting of the body. It was as if the visit rekindled the bond Governor Kefas has with the media. Dr. Kefas, at the meeting, told practitioners that the Fourth Estate of the Realm remained his most dependable ally in his effort at developing the state.

In November, the main event was held at the main ballroom of the Patience Event Centre in Jalingo. A visibly elated governor Kefas attended to declare the auspicious event opened. Professor Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, who delivered the key note address, was elated to note that Governor Kefas has some of his students in the Mass Communications department of the University of Maiduguri as top aides. He pointedly mentioned the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Jeji Williams, mni and Special Adviser on Political Matters Professor Josiah Sabo Kente as journalists working with the Taraba state governor.

Media Awards

Meanwhile, earlier in the year, the state NUJ had nominated Governor Kefas as the Security Man of the Year. The award ceremony was well attended by colleagues and other stakeholders in the state.

Relatedly, in far away Lagos state, the Independent Newspapers had nominated Dr. Kefas to receive the prestigious award for his stride in free education. Dr. Kefas was honoured alongside Nationalists like the late sage and father of free education in the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The posthumous award was received by a great grandson of the great Awo. Family members of the late Sarduana Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir. Ahamadu Bello were also in attendance to receive an award for the founding father's role in free education in the North.

Interactive sessions

But beyond meetings and awards, Governor Kefas has continued to find time for the media either in official engagements or seeking ways to better their working conditions in the state.

The periodic dinners with correspondents are also always a time to unwind and socialise with practitioners. These interactions are often devoid of officialdom with colleagues at liberty to be light-hearted with the governor. In between the banters, the governor often takes questions from practitioners.

Freedom of speech

Governor Kefas believes that only a free Press can secure the future of democracy. Thus, there is no record of any attempt to muzzle dissenting voices. His pleas often are that professionalism should be maintained. He is a firm believer in the role of the media as a mirror through which the government can see her reflection.

It is perhaps as a way of showing the nexus between government and the media that he has also opened up the doors to appoint some practitioners into government positions as Special Advisers.

The social media

Dr. Kefas is also abreast with the Social Media and ensures that his activities are vigorously covered on his official Facebook handles and other platforms. In various meetings with his social media team, the governor often enjoined them to be accurate in their reporting. He frowns at over sensation and the use of platforms as a bully pulpit.

31/12/2025

Gombe crash: Governor Kefas commiserate with NUJ, bereaved families

Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas commiserates with the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ over the unfortunate demise of Seven members of the Union who lost their lives in a road crash on Monday.

In a statement issued in Jalingo on Wednesday morning and signed by Emmanuel Bello, Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas, the governor also extends his commiseration to the families of Seven Staff of the Nigerian Television Authority NTA who lost their lives in the unfortunate fatal crash on their way to Gombe after attending a wedding in Kaltungo.

Governor Kefas noted that journalists, as members of the Forth Estate of the Realm play pivotal roles in shaping opinion and steering national discuss and so the sudden death of so many journalists at a time is a national disaster.

The statement reads in parts that "Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has received with shock the demise of Seven staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in an auto crash on their way to Gombe from a wedding in Kaltungo.

"Governor Kefas described the accident as a national tragedy. He added that the staff died in active service, stressing that their labour to the country would never be forgotten.

"Governor Kefas, who specifically condoled with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), said that the union has suffered an irreparable loss. Dr. Kefas reiterated his support for the union, stressing that journalist welfare is key to press freedom in the country. He also condoled with the immediate families of the victims. Sympathising further with the family, he assured them that the service rendered by the deceased would remain indelible in the heart of colleagues and the general public.

"Meanwhile, Dr. Kefas has also condoled with the government and people of Gombe state. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed".

The Governor also pray for all those who will be traveling during this festive period that God will protect them and grant them safe travels.

30/12/2025

2026: A peep into the future of Taraba under Gov Kefas

Emmanuel Bello

The year 2026 promises to be a very busy year. Politicking will kick into overdrive, and the power permutations will hit the super highway. But for Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, it promises to be a year of consolidation and conclusions on many of his lofty plans and ideas. 2026 will be business unusual! Gov Kefas came into this job with an unquenchable zeal to transform Taraba from a rural state to one that is reckoned with globally. He hasn't lost a step in that direction.

That is why, in the last two years, he has resisted the temptations for superficial developments for cheap applause. Rather, he focused on the silently arduous but needed internal surgery the state needed. From chaos to a concrete masterplan, the governor took his time to dig a solid foundation that would outlive his administration. What critics saw as a slow pace in major physical development was actually the deliberate redesigning of structures and putting the pillars in place for a robust takeoff.

Thus, 2026 will be the year of gains and harvest. Citizens will full the heavy impact of meticulous planning, deft investment, and strategic thinking. It is the year of work and more work!

SECURITY

In security, Gov Kefas has already laid the foundations of an impregnable state. The last year saw the setting up of a symbolic protective wall around the state. What's more, the year 2025 was one that tested the security architecture of Nigeria as well as the regions within it. Consequently, the year also brought out the best in the retired soldier turned politician. Today, Taraba stands as a beacon of hope as far as security is concerned. Even the governor's worst critics have attested to the new lease of life that a secured space has brought to all.

EDUCATION

In spite of the teething problems of the last two years since Governor Kefas declared free education in the state, the policy has subsisted and survived. Primary and secondary school education have remained free and compulsory. University students pay only half of their tuition fees while the government paid the rest. In 2026, the free education policy will benefit fully from the creation of additional ministries of Tertairy education and one of pre primary and secondary school. In deed, 2026 will see the fine tunning and better appreciation of the great efforts of the governor to make Taraba an education hub in the North and the country.

HEALTH

In the health sector, Gov Kefas's introduction of mobile hospitals and more ambulances in the rural areas are revolutionising the sector. The idea is to cut off medical tourism to other states and make the state self reliant as far as hospitals are concerned. With a profound University Teaching Hospital in Wukari among others health institutions, 2026 promises to be one the healthiest years in Taraba state.

ROADS

Starting from October 2025, Gov Kefas began the road revolution in Taraba state. Not playing mere politics with the issues of road networks, the methodical governor took his time to study the situation. "We want roads that will stand the test of time," he declared. All the groundwork is done already with reputable contractors mobilised to the sites. The Taraba roads will be the envy of the world as they will compete favourably with others in terms of durability. 2026 will literally be the road to eldorado.

AIRPORT

Taraba state now has a world-class airport in Jalingo. The Danbaba Suntai airport has gone through a solid transformation in the last two years. But Governor Kefas is not done yet. Plans are underway to further expand the runway and sign up more airlines. Mordern Aviation Equipments like the Instrument Landing System (ILS), the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and the runway lights have been installed to to help planes land in bad weather, at night and properly guide the plane to land. Air travel will be boosted too by the world-class TY Danjuma Airport at Kashimbilla Takum, comercial flights are set to begin at the Airport too. A brain child of former defence minister and elderstatesman, the airport is one of its kind. 2026 promises to see more activities on its tarmac.

AGRICULTURE

The last two years saw the governor engaging top-level stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The tractorisation policy kicked off with over 100 units of tractors from the Czech Republic. In 2026, the governor will consolidate and energise the sector further. More agencies have been created to facilitate loans to farmers. The synergy built with partners such as Lagos state will yield more fruits this year. Safety in the farms will translate to more farming activities. Food security will thus receive a massive boost in 2026.

SOLID MINERALS.

If there is one area the governor has continued to receive accolades, it is in the solid minerals sector. As we write this, all plas are underway to begin the prosperous exploration of Taraba solid mineral vast reserves. The last two years saw the governor mapping out the state's deep resources. In 2026, Taraba will begin to reap from its divine endowment.

WORKERS ENTITLEMENT

Governor Kefas is a die-hard believer in staff growth, welfare, and job satisfaction. He is committed to the training and retraining of staff, as well as giving them the right tools to succeed. Thus, he restored the prompt payments of entitlement and pensions/gratuities. In fact, pensions and gratuities have not been paid for close to 14 years before the advent of Governor Kefas. He swiftly returned that very golden entitlement to aged parents. 2026 will see the end to all crises associated with the civil force as all the necessary measures needed are in place now to clean the proverbial Augean stable.

26/12/2025

Touching Lives at Christmas
In the true spirit of Christmas, Hon. Emmanuel Bello has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to humanity by reaching out to 50 widows in Takum with wrappers and cash gifts.

This thoughtful gesture was aimed at putting smiles on their faces and easing the burdens they carry, especially during the festive season.

Through this act of kindness, Hon. Emmanuel Bello reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the downtrodden and standing with the weak in society. It is a clear reflection of a leader who understands that governance goes beyond policy,it is about compassion, empathy, and lifting others.
Indeed, this is leadership with a human heart.

14/12/2025

As Gov Kefas takes over the driver's seat of APC in Taraba.

Emmanuel Bello

After a hiatus occasioned by humanitarian considerations, Taraba state strong man, Dr. Agbu Kefas finally moved to the All Progressive Congress (APC), effectively becoming its chief driver in Taraba state. The highly coveted title of the leader of the party in the state also goes to him. For a man who is seen by some as a young initiate in politics, Governor Kefas has continued to stun those who think they understand politics. Kefas, a well trained intelligence officer, has mesmerised those sneering and winking at his moves. His steps have been guided by wisdom and his utterances, balanced by understanding.

Characteristically taking everyone by surprise on a Sunday, Governor Kefas left the naysayers wondering what just hit them. Sundays are not normally known for political events, but then Dr. Kefas is an iconoclast. There is no decoding what his next move would be like a practised chess player. While everyone was looking to January 2026 for a grand event, the intelligent officer of a politician made the move on a quiet sunday afternoon at the Government House, Jalingo. In an instance, the brief ceremony rolled away doubts and restored confidence. No one saw it coming. These deft subterrenean moves are indeed veritable skills needed in the shark infested waters of politics.

Invariably, with Sunday's defection, Governor Kefas takes the entire structure of the APC in the state. He is the leader who, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be deciding the fate of APC in Taraba state. He is not a stranger to the ruling party. From his swearing-in to today's official movement, the keen observer that he is, Governor Kefas, had sat in the front seat of politics carefully studying situations. While in the PDP, Gov Kefas had played pivotal roles in the party at the state and national levels. He was the leader of the delegation that led PDP to victory in the Bayelsa state governorship election, for instance. He was at the forefront of searching for solutions to many of the internal issues in the PDP.

However, a nationalist and pragmatist that he is, Governor Kefas, has always looked at the larger picture. Above all, he is more concerned about the state - what will benefit the citizens more and how he would attract development. One of the ways he intends to do this is to engraft the state to the centre.

Consequently, the sunday event has sealed that. Taraba is no longer a state in opposition. Our amiable governor is now a member of the powerful APC (Progressive) governor forum with all the implications of this new status. Moreover, Governor Kefas will now work harder to continue to benefit from the FG Renewed Hope agenda from an assured position than before. With all that is ahead, it is obviously clearly a new dawn for Taraba politics.

12/12/2025

Gov Kefas and the outgoing year: a quick review.

Emmanuel Bello

In a few days, the year 2025 will be over, leaving us with just one thing: a mental review of all that went down. For Taraba state and its helmsman, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the year was a mixture of many beautiful experiences and some daunting challenges. At the heart of it all is the driver himself, gingerly leading the state through bumpy terrains. This review is thus based on the rough realities the government had to deal with. Some of these challenges are well known while others are hidden from plain sight.

SECURITY

By far, one area of challenge and profound success story is in security. Gov Kefas has received accolades across the globe for his stride in this area. There are pockets of crisis here and there, and he acknowledges this. But the governor, working with his team, has turned the tide around. Taraba citizens feel safer now than any other time in the state's history. The year 2025 witnessed the governor throwing more funds into the sector and working hard with available intels to rid the state of insecurity.

HEALTH

Taraba state of health was boosted this year with the necessary financing and support. Gov Kefas, prioritising health, ensured medical practitioners were well remunerated. The year saw a frantic effort to provide more ambulances, health facilities, and a better environment for health workers. The school of nursing got a boost, too, with the completion of major works there. The results are showing with the state producing its own health workers.

EDUCATION

Warts and all, Governor Kefas is still getting plenty of accolades for his stride in the education sector. Today, Taraba state is rated as one of the most literate states in the North. By slashing school fees in tertiary institutions, the government unleashed the djinee of literacy in a historic manner

AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION

The farmer governor has demonstrated that the year 2025 belonged to farmer. It was the year that saw the tractorisation of the sector in a profound way. Farmers were equipped with all they needed for effective farming. A security initiative to ensure the safety of both herders and farmers was also put in place. Access to agric loans and fertilisers was improved on.

JUDICIARY

Gov Kefas, who is an ardent believer in speedy and transparent dispensation of justice, also believes in the welfare of judicial officials. He thus confronted this with the same zeal he uses in addressing other sectors.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

The government has taken the issues of road with the seriousness it deserves this year. Several roads are receiving attention as we write this. The governor's policy thrust on roads is to ensure that the state is fully linked to foster development.

PENSION AND GRATUITY

Gov Kefas has continued to remember pensioners and those entitled to their gratuity. In the year 2025, he ensured he did not fail in meeting the demands of this special sector.

AVIATION

After the initial hiccups, the Taraba aviation sector has tremendously improved. This year witnessed more expansion and equipment to make the Danbaba Suntai airport a world-class facility.
..to be continued

Compiled by

Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas

09/12/2025

Gov Kefas/Gen Danjuma: a union made in heaven.

Emmanuel Bello

Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, like every one of us in Wukari back then, grew up under the shadows of the mythical image of the unsmiling General TY Danjuma. The talk then was that Danjuma was the hard-boiled soldier who laughed only once in a year. None of us imagined our paths will ever cross in the most historic manners as it is playing out today.

But unlike us, his childhood friends, the young Kefas knew the military was going to be his best choice. Was he inspired by the heroic tales of the gallant general, or was it his own personal love for the stoicism of the military? I have never asked him. But growing up back then, Dr. Kefas was already showing signs of a regimented minded person. He commanded our attention with his leadership qualities and his personal discipline. Like Gen Danjuma, the young Kefas was soft-spoken and measured in his ways. He was not a talkative and preferred anonymity.

Meanwhile, Kefas was also not a stranger to the military. His famous elder brother, the late Air Vice Marshall Ibrahim Kefas, had introduced us to the glamour and attraction of the uniform. I remembered as kids how we admired his cute looks and the fitting uniform whenever he was home. The young Kefas must have been influenced by all of these.

Fast forward to the present, and we see a retired Colonel Kefas who had demonstrated gallantry and professionalism in his brilliant military career. Kefas exhibited the same qualities as our childhood hero, General Danjuma. Those qualities include the ability to talk straight, courage, exemplary leadership, and the fearlessness in confronting issues.

That was why I was c**k sure the amiable General TY Danjuma will back his protege, Kefas in the build up to the 2015 elections. Taraba state was then caught in the Web of political crisis. An ambitious deputy was hell-bent on dislodging his ailing boss. Some of us went into the trenches to stop that and earned the moniker of cabal. The battle tested General Danjuma was monitoring the outlay of the next chapter of the state from his den. The Cabal had to rally round a candidate that will deliver. Dr. kefas was also in the race. I was hoping espirit the corp would dictate the General's choice of who to endorse. But beyond camaraderie, even in those 2013/2014 years, Kefas was already a bonafide governorship material, having done a lot on the national stage with his effort at amnesty for Niger Delta militants. On a personal level, his acts of philanthropy resembled that of the famed general too. He was equally disciplined, dependable and wise above his years.

Eventually, these were the qualities, I believe, that caught the trained eyes of General Danjuma. He had carefully examined the young man who did not kick or murmured even when he was not endorsed. General Danjuma must have seen a little of himself in the transparent and tough ex soldier called Kefas.

The General was further encouraged, more so, by the diligence Kefas showed in some of the assignments that brought them together at the North East Development Commission and other missions. Those leadership qualities were further tested when Dr. Kefas became the Taraba state chairman of PDP.

It was not hard, after all of these, for Dr. Agbu Kefas to enjoy the trust and love of General Danjuma. It was a match made in heaven. Today, the bond has grown, and Kefas has more than proven that he earned the confidence reposed in him by our childhood hero - the famous warrior and the last man standing who turned 88 today. Happy birthday to a great leader of men, a man of vision, and a man who recognises the best of men.

Office of The SA Media and Digital Communications, Taraba State

20/03/2026

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