30/05/2025
Speech By His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas Governor of Taraba State On the Occasion of Two Years in Office – May 29, 2025, Held at the Banquest Hall, TY Danjuma Government House, Jalingo.
Protocol,
I see today as a day of reflection—a moment not just to speak, but to reconnect with you, the people of Taraba, on our shared journey.
Two years ago, I made a commitment—not to deliver perfection, but to lead with compassion, courage, and conviction. That commitment stands firm today.
In these two years, we have made visible progress. But more importantly, we have built a foundation—quietly, intentionally, and with you at the center of it all.
In the past—our schools were collapsing, and families carried the burden alone. Today—education is free and compulsory. We have purchased uniforms, sandals, digital tablets, school bags, and books; they will soon be distributed. We paid for WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, MOCK, and BESC exams. Construction of 60 modern schools is ongoing across the state as our pilot projects.
Previously—security was fragile and uncoordinated. Now—we have deployed hundreds of operational and patrol vehicles, more than 1,000 motorcycles for special security purposes, and introduced modern tracking tools. Military Forward Operating Bases are in place in Wukari and Karim Lamido LGAs to strengthen security across borders and vulnerable communities.
Until 2023—civil servants were uncertain of their pay and future. Today—we’ve stabilized salaries, commenced minimum wage reforms, and restored dignity to public service.
Before now—civil service morale and structure had weakened. Today—our civil service is being restored with dignity and purpose.
Since inauguration, we have introduced transformative reforms that show our deep commitment to excellence in public service:
We implemented the new minimum wage structure, becoming one of the first three states in Nigeria to do so—paying 30% and 70% increments within the same year (2024).
Salaries are paid promptly, ensuring financial stability for our workforce.
We cleared gratuity arrears dating back to 2010–2013, bringing relief to long-retired civil servants.
We restored running costs (RC) to all MDAs—ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
We procured Annual Personnel Evaluation Reports (APPER) for all staff—fostering a system of accountability and growth.
Still on Civil Servants
Over 200 civil servants have been promoted, recognizing their contributions and encouraging merit-based advancement.
We expanded training programs for all cadres—permanent secretaries, directors, judicial officers, and legislators.
These are not gestures. They reflect our belief that a motivated, well-equipped civil service is the engine of effective governance.
Before this administration—there was no comprehensive development plan for Taraba. Now—we are guided by the Taraba State Development Master Plan 2023–2050.
There was a time when land management was chaotic. Today—we’ve launched TAGIS—Taraba Geographic Information Service.
Previously—illegal mining endangered lives and the environment. Now—we have sanitized the mining sector and opened it to lawful, regulated investment.
A new monitoring structure will be put in place to replace the existing Taskforce.
Not long ago—our healthcare system was overwhelmed. Now—we are building new facilities in the College of Nursing and Midwifery, expanding rural outreach, and modernizing our health system.
Historically—climate change was neglected. Today—we are addressing it through reforestation, erosion control, and global climate adaptation strategies.
Until recently—local government lacked autonomy. Now—we have held democratic elections and restored full LGA financial and administrative authority.
We are governing with sensitivity to the economic hardship affecting our people. We understand the rising cost of living. That is why we’ve cut waste and redirected funds toward education, healthcare, food systems, and youth empowerment.
We don’t claim that all is well—but everything is being done to make it better.
To our critics who have constructively challenged us—we thank you.
To our traditional rulers—thank you for standing firm as custodians of peace and wisdom.
To the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON)—we thank you for your support in security, infrastructure, and palliative relief, especially in difficult times to the World Bank, EU, UN agencies, and other development partners—thank you for walking with us.
To you, the people of Taraba—this journey is yours.
Trust must be earned.
So I pledge to you Monthly public briefings by the Ministry of Information
I pledge to you Quarterly LGA governance forums led by Chairmen and state officials
I pledge to you Full public reporting through TAGIS
I pledge to you a celebration of our unsung heroes: teachers, farmers, healthcare workers, youths, special people and our mothers
Above all, I pledge to be a governor who shows up—in times of progress and in times of pain.
My People,
You don’t need a perfect leader. You need a present one, who is sensitive to your voice. I remain yours, in service and humility.
The future we envision is practical, inclusive, and bold.
We will in the near future Train youth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.
We will expand vocational programs across all 16 LGAs and the 2 Special Development Areas.
We will strengthen tourism, develop economic zones, and boost agribusiness.
We will promote climate resilience and rural electrification.
We will continue building unity across all communities and,
We will make Taraba a leader in ease of doing business.
In the area of Agriculture and Economic Development
We have repositioned Taraba for agricultural transformation. Our farmers now receive direct support—seeds, irrigation, mechanization, and training.
This is just the beginning.
As I often say:
“Just as President Tinubu’s agricultural vision challenges us to focus on policies—not personalities—I am building a Taraba where
governance is measured not by sentiment, but by results.”
We’re shifting from promises to produce. Every program must deliver real value to our people.
For Post-TARAVEST 2025, we are moving from conference rooms to communities. One of our key investors, Karumachi Prasad of Prasad Seeds, has committed to partnering with us to train 25 Taraban youths in India as agri-entrepreneurs.
He is also introducing the P4 Initiative—Public-Private-People-Partnerships—to fight poverty with community-led innovation.
Above all, our target is that Taraba will become the seed hub of Nigeria—and of Africa.
My dear people, In order to secure what we have started, I have transmitted four major bills to the State Assembly:
1. Free and compulsory basic education
2. 50% subsidized tertiary tuition
3. Free medical care for children, the elderly, and the vulnerable
4. Land access for youth to farm and prosper
These are not campaign promises. They are the legal foundation of a new Taraba.
Let me state this, for you to understand my commitment to you, that even in personal tragedy such as the loss of my sister, Late Atsi Kefas—I remained strong because the call to serve you outweighed the pain.
Kindly join me to observe a minutes silence in her honour!!!.
May her soul continue to rest in peace.
However, preliminary police report revealed that she died as a result of severe gunshot injuries sustained from shots by one of the police escorts in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the circumstances so that justice will prevail.
You can see that this work is not for applause. It is for legacy. It is for the future, it is for you!!!
Please, Let Us Move Taraba Forward
In this 2 years, you can agree with me that Taraba is no longer on the sidelines. We are leading— With discipline. With technology. With heart.
This is your time. This is your Taraba.
Let us rise together. Let us believe again. Let us move Taraba forward.
Finally, My People!!
1. It is time to spread your wings and fly beyond the limitations of yesterday.
2. And, it is time to break free from the cycle of poverty and scarcity and unlock the doors to prosperity. In this spirit we will Move Taraba Forward
In response to the recent crisis, especially the one in Karim, I have constituted the Karim-Lamido and Other Areas of Violent Disputes Peace and Justice Commission. The membership and terms and reference will be disclosed accordingly.
Thank you, and May God bless you all.
May God bless Taraba, the Nature’s Gift to Nigeria
May God bless Nigeria
Thank you once again!!!
