By Joseph Asegba, Yola
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has announced plans to create 14 additional Development Areas across the state as part of efforts to bring governance and development closer to grassroots communities.
The proposed Development Areas are expected to commence operations in 2027 and are aimed at enhancing security, improving service delivery, and promoting socio-economic development across various communities in the state.
Governor Kefas made this known in a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
Reflecting on his administration’s journey since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the governor said Taraba State has continued to make steady progress despite numerous challenges inherited from previous years.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, the administration encountered serious challenges in critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy.
“We met infrastructure deficits. We met gaps in education and healthcare. We met economic difficulties impacting families and young people,” he said.
The governor noted that rather than engage in blame games, his administration chose the path of action by implementing policies and programmes aimed at addressing the state’s pressing needs.
He identified education, healthcare, security, road construction, and agriculture as some of the major sectors where his government has recorded significant achievements over the past three years.
Kefas recalled that one of the earliest decisions of his administration was the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
According to him, the government has since taken deliberate steps to expand access to free and compulsory basic education, improve learning environments, support teachers and educational institutions, and restore public confidence in the education system.
“We strongly believe that education remains the greatest investment any government can make for sustainable development,” he said.
The governor also highlighted efforts to reposition tertiary institutions across the state, particularly in addressing longstanding challenges facing the state’s higher education sector.
He noted that his administration inherited institutions burdened by infrastructural decay, administrative challenges, and persistent industrial disputes, especially at Taraba State University.
To address these issues, he said the government initiated reforms, improved stakeholder engagement, invested in infrastructure, and promoted dialogue to ensure stability within the institutions.
“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,” the governor added.
Governor Kefas reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the development agenda of his administration, assuring residents that more people-oriented projects and programmes would be implemented to further move Taraba State forward.
