Farmers/Herders' Clash - Jukun Urges Taraba to Set Up Vigilance Team

A socio-cultural group, Jukun Development Association (JDA) rose from her emergency extra-ordinary congress on Wednesday in Lagos with a call on Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku to immediately set up a vigilance group to monitor and ensure security of all farm settlements in the Central and Southern parts of the state.

They said such steps became necessary to ensure the security of lives and property of her people, especially farmers from armed herdsmen.

The group also rejected the proposed grazing reserve for Fulani herdsmen in the country, saying no inch of Jukunland will be surrendered for whatever purpose to anyone outside the zone.

National President of the association, Mr. Benjamin Bako who spoke with newsmen after the congress where he was unanimously re-elected for second term, said Jukun people as farmers traditionally need more land to cultivate and sustain their growing population.

Bako welcomed President Mohammadu Buhari's order on security operatives for a crack down on the rampaging herdsmen. He said the president should have taken the decision before now.

The association also commended rights activist Chief Femi Falana and Isaac Danjuma for their contributions to Jukunland and its people

Taraba Lawmaker Empowers 5, 000 Constituents

The member representing Wukari/Ibi federal constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi has empowered over 5, 000 constituents with working tools.

Presenting the tools to the beneficiaries yesterday in Wukari, the federal legislator explained that his intervention was a fulfillment of his campaign promises, adding that  the empowerment materials were equally meant to justify the confidence the people reposed on him.

He informed that since his assumption of office as a federal lawmaker, he has placed over 15 students on scholarship at the NTA Television College Jos, facilitated the employment of some youths at the University of Jos and the Federal University Wukari, secured employment for youths into the Nigerian Navy and other para-military organisations among others.

“My achievements within this few months as a legislator didn’t end at this. I provided skills acquisition training for over 110 youths at the federal government vocational centre in Lafia, Nassarawa State,” he informed.

He further added that he has put in place strategies to rehabilitate some streets in Wukari and environs and also enrolled some youths into the Petroleum Training Institute, Delta State.

BREAKING NEWS: Police Arrest Criminal Gangs Involve in Kidnapping In Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has cracked down on some gangs that have been engaging in criminal activities across the state particularly cattle rustling and kidnapping.

In the process, ten suspects were arrested by the command in separate operations while large cache of arms and ammunition, including five AK47 riffles, two assault riffles, two single barrel guns, one locally made double barrel pistol and a locally made pistol as well as several rounds of live ammunition and two AK47 magazines.

The state Commissioner of Police, Shaba Alkali who paraded the suspects during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Friday said the gangs were smashed by a special join operation of SARS recently set up by the command in conjunction with local vigilante groups.

Alkali further revealed that the operations that led to the smashing of the gangs were carried out in Bali, Donga, Gassol  and Takum local government areas of the state.

According to him “A joint operation of SARS, the local communities and vigilante groups has cracked down the proliferation of firearms, cattle rustling, kidnapping  and other associated forms of criminality and a lot of success has been recorded in the recovery of firearms and ammunitions as well as the criminals."

Further details later...

NOTICE: Gov Ishaku to send 100 youths to Israel for training in Agriculture

Taraba state Governor, Arch. Darius Dickson has revealed that his administration will soon send one hundred youths for training in Israel in the field of Agriculture. Governor Darius Ishaku said this today during the flagged off the state win a trip to Israel, WATTI, at the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN secretariat Jalingo, explaining that those that will be trained are expected to key into the ongoing green house project as well as become productive members of the society.

He praised the ingenuity of the executive secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, Reverend Kennedy Opara for the wonderful job he is doing in the Commission, pointing out that despite the economic melt down, he has kept on dreaming dreams and is the reason why the Commission is standing tall and bubbling with ideas.

Darius Ishaku stated that the win a trip to Israel is a wonderful innovation and assured the Executive secretary of Taraba State Government support at all times so that the commission will be able to send many Christians to the holy land.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, said the WATTI project is aimed at reducing over dependence on government for sponsorship to the Holy land.
Kennedy Opara disclosed that a ticket cost five hundred Naira, stressing that with just five hundred Naira, a person who is successful in the lottery, a trip to Israel is assured at no extra cost.

He encouraged all Christians to support and participate in the programme, saying that the project is primarily designed to have more Christians visit the holy land and added that everything “ we do in life must cost us something”.

The Executive Secretary assured the gathering that the process will be very transparent and also used the opportunity to call on Tarabans to support Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku to succeed in the state, averring that God brought him on board to make a difference.
Delivering his sermon during the event, Rev. Innocent Solomon praised the charismatic leadership of NCPC Executive Secretary and stated that the vision to give more Christians an opportunity to visit the holy land is a vision that is inspired by God.

The clergy disclosed that lottery or casting lots is found in the bible, explaining that it was an acceptable way of making choice and supported his argument from the book of Isaiah 2:2 and Joshua 8:10 and challenged Christians to support the vision so that it will stand the test of time.
In appreciating the programme, the state Chairman of Taraba state Christian pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Isaiah Magaji Jirapye said the WATTI programme is the beginning of good things that will begin to come out from the NCPC and beckoned on Christians to support and sustain the initiative.

High point of the event was the lottery proper that was started by the state Governor, Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku who picked the name of Mrs. Safira Ben as the first successful candidate while His wife Barrister Anna Ishaku picked the second successful candidate, Mrs. Wabuji Ezekiel.
Prayers for the state, the state Governor and his family and for the success of the Win a Trip to Israel WATTI, was offered by Rev. Dr. Ben Ube, Taraba state CAN Chairman.       

Our correspondent reports that Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku also purchased 1000 raffle tickets for each of the 16 Local Government Areas of the State to participate in the WATTI lottery.

Taraba's Top 10 Upcoming Artist 2016

10. SKYLITE;

 S.k.Y to the lite is indeed an artist of his kind, 2015 wasn't too successful for him though but he scared through the list. The Ambassador's crew general got nominated in 2 categories in Jalingo city award; Best Rap category and Best dance, though he didn't win any but left footprints in the Taraba Entertainment industry. He featured NattyBard in his hit song KINGS.

                      

9. FBI YASSABA;

Solomon ganah popular called FBI (Female Body Inspector) lol is one of Taraba's best Rap act 'if not the best'.

He's known for his street, rugged and controversial kind of music, others call him Taraba's Erriga but I call him the controversialist .one special thing about him is his ability to swing from Igbo Rap, Hausa and pidgin and Fluent English...............though he didn't drop many songs last year but got featured in several hit Like Sexy gal, Target and lots more...the Crowned it all with the controversial 'WESTSIDE' where MarTino Elcasino's name was mentioned I'm not sure if he wants to diss him but u can download the song for yourself.

                                              

8. J'WAYNE;

Ceo of (DMB) Dosh Money Boy's crew has been existing for a very long time in the music scene here and making quite a lot of impact in the Rap game, He's been known for his lyrical versatility. J'wayne popular called Taraba's Lil Wayne is indeed a gift to Taraban he actually raps like weezy himself, I bet u when J'wayne and Lilwayne songs are both played u hardly know who's the real weezy lol.......Last year has been quite good for him as recorded the hit track 'miracle' and featured in several banger songs Like shoakhan and many more

                                  
                                         

7. T-RULE:

When it comes to real hardcore rap in Taraba, the Likes of Don Rap,Joodaar and T rule aren't exception, they top their game..........The MQBs artist got nominated in several awards within the state and fortunately won Taraba's best Rap Artist(2015) in the first ever Jalingo city awards, succeeding after Don Rap. Though he songs aren't too popular here because of his kind of Rap (Hardcore) but he knows how to do what he does best

                                              

6. JV-DEE:

Popularly called by his slogan 'is True', is actually one of jalingo's finest artist. The butterflied artist has been operating underground for a while now and has decided to unveil his self in 2015, by releasing hit tracks Like 'Don't Know', Oya Give It produced by geek beats (producer of names like skales), the song has actually made waves all around as its the only song in Taraba music Industry that was uploaded on sites Like 360nobs, Iroking.com and many others...He crowned it all with a master piece song "My place" produced by Taraba's Best Producer Necsta @Necstabeat.

                         
5. TEE ICEE:
Free nation's CEO And BOSS 'Tee Icee' is one of the best and highly rated artist in Taraba State University(TSU) and Taraba as a whole,
aside from the likes of Samsyl, Charlee nathan, Ramie D etc, Tee Icee is said too be one of the best artist around, one special thing about him is his unique ability of switching from Rap & Rhymes to Afro pop, Reggae and Endia/yung el kind of music. Series of songs where recorded by him last year; am blessed, Red rose, spectacular and the popular ' color riot' which gained popularity in the streets, he was also nominated in Jalingo City Award

4. KANKYI GANGBA:   

John Sebastian popularly called 'Kankyi Gangba' is with no doubt one of the best if not the best Rapper in Taraba state; after a careful look at the taraba state entertainment scene(Rap)in specific, there are quite a numerous numbers of Rappers in the industry, but Gangba is one rapper that is exceptionally different, he's rapping skills, exceptional voice, lyrical potency and meaningful lyrics .kankyi Drops few but dope songs last year which includes Golden Child, Dogs in the manger etc

                 

3. MR D'MAN:

D'man is a house hold name, when it comes to entertainment in Taraba state. 2015 is probably one of the most successful year so far in Mr D'man's music carrier. He dropped series of banger tune and amazing features prominent amongst them include the hit song Shoakhan where he features Dosh money Rapper; J'wayne and F2..one special thing about him is, he's uniqueness in Track naming: From Kutuma, Alomo, shoakhan, Tataro, Commando etc. He also got featured in our last years Top10 artist list and was also nominated in jalingo City Award 2015 in two(2) categories though he didn't win any

                             

2. RAMIE D;

Ramadan Samaila Aka Ramie D is one of the famous and top names when it comes to music in Taraba state and its bordering states.

Ramie D actually had a successful 2015 musically, because he made the list of our last year's Top10, he was nominated in 2 categories during Jalingo city awards though he didn't actually win any of the
categories, He made several hits and top amongst them include the award wining 'Funke' (Best single of the year) and Loving U
Ramie D has gained love from within and outside
Taraba cos of he's pattern of music.

                 

1. SAMSYL

Born Samuel Sylvester but popularly called by his tage name 'Samsyl'. samsyl is not a New name when it comes to the entertainment scene in taraba entertainment and the northeast at large.
Last year 2015 was indeed a successful year for samsyl as far as music is concern in Taraba state, he was part of 2014 Top10 List and also Taraba's most featured artist, he was nominated in Jalingo city
awards in 2 Categories and he won "BEST STAGE pERFORMER" in the first ever Jalingo city awards hosted by Quinnex.
Several hits were recorded by him last year blast amongst them include pure & cucumber which got numerous downloads and made waves within and outside taraba state. To
crown it all Samsyl dropped his first ever album "THE FOCUS" and history was made.

Taraba Artists are so good, See the top10 Songs in 2015

 

10. Shallex Ft FBI - Sexy Gal

This song is actually a dance hall tune that made waves last year, though was released around november but had over a hundred downloads in one day

9. Tee Icee - Colour Riot 

Colour riot was indeed and its for real a great afropop tune by Tee icee, the song got some many several plays and mentions because of the special shoutout he gave to all real hommies in the state.

8. Jv Dee - Oya Give It

This song got almost the most played indigenous song within clubs and bars in Taraba state, its actually a dance hall tune and was produced by one of 9ja's best producers 'Geekbeats'

7. Kankyi Gangba - Golden Child

Golden child made several waves within and outside taraba state, though its a Rap song but got inspirational, motivational and sensible words unlike regular hiphop sangs like 'pussy,fuck,bitch etc' and has a gotten listening rhythm

6. Jossy -Thomas

Thomas is one of the most respected and inspiring songs throughout 2015, Jossy used the biblical figure 'Thomas' to address those who never believed in him. He's line, lyrical arrangement and production was excellent

5. Samsyl - Pure

Frontier of the butterflied music 'samsyl' is know for making good and sweet music in taraba.

But 'pure' is actually one of his best songs ever, he recorded early last year, a highlife love song and it got all the requirement to satisfy your music

4. Dman Ft J'wayne & F2 Duck - Shoakhan

The song with no doubt is said to be 'the best collaboration of the year' 2015..

It has all the three kind of rap in it, Hardcore, rhymes and fast rap. The song made airplays within and outside the state

3. Ramie D - Funke

Funke was on of the songs released by Ramie D last year, but made waves and air plays all around. It got several nominations and won the best song of the year in JCA Award 2015. Its a normal tune in the lips of people in the state

2. Autan Zaki - Yan baki ciki

Many will be wondering why this song is on this list? Get it how you want to get it but this song is one of the most popular songs in 2015. its actually a dedication to PDP and Gov. Darius Ishaku's rival APC and aisha, but it got favored within taraba and neighboring state, its actually like an anthem in the lips of Tarabans

1. Charlee Nathan - Yan bata suna

This song 'yan bata suna' (reputation spoilers) is the most popular and hit song in Taraba 2015, Taraba's peace ambassador does it specially for backbiters and those who derive pleasure in spoiling peoples reputation. it has the highest plays within radio station in taraba stae and even beyond

 

Culled from rhapsodiafos blog

Here are The 10 best business opportunities you can do in Taraba

Taraba state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, it is located in the Middle Belt region (Politically classified as a North East state) and the state was created on the 27th of August, 1991. The capital of Taraba state is Jalingo and the nick name of the state is ‘Nature’s Gift to the Nation’. The languages that are generally spoken in the state are English, Hausa, Jukun and Kuteb

Taraba state shares border with Benue state, Adamawa State, Plateau state and an international border with the Republic of Cameron. The major ethnic groups in Taraba state are Jukun, Tiv, Hausa, Fulani, Jenjo, Kuteb Chamba, Ichen, Ndoro, Kaka and Mumuyes people. A larger percentage of those in Taraba state are Christians, and the rest are Muslims and Traditional worshippers.

Farming, Fishing, carving, cloth weaving, cloth dyeing, mat making, cattle rearing, goat rearing, sheep rearing, pig farming, poultry farming, and rabbit breeding are the mainstay of the people in Taraba state. Cash crops cultivated in Taraba state are coffee, tea, cotton and groundnuts. The state is also notable for the cultivation of cassava, maize, millet, rice, yam and sorghum. The government is the largest employer of labor in the state and they are also working hard to make Taraba state a choice tourist destination in Nigeria.

With interesting tourist sites like Gumpti Park and Games Reserve in Gashaka, Mambilla Tourist Centre and the annual Nwunyu Fishing Festival in Taraba state, it is just a matter of time for tourists to start trooping to the state all through the year.

Now let us quickly consider the top ten business opportunities available in Taraba state;

1. Commercial Fishing Business

Commercial fishing is one of the viable businesses an entrepreneur can start in Taraba state simply because of the many rivers in and around the state. People of the Jukun tribe in Taraba state are predominantly fishermen. As a matter of fact, the government of Taraba state is making serious effort to give loan and incentives to fish farmers.

All you need to do to make it big in the fishing business in Taraba state is to plan beyond just fishing and selling it to local market women; you can dry the fish, package it properly and then transport it to other parts of the country and even neighboring West African countries.

2. Travels and Tours Business

If you are looking towards positioning a business for the future in Taraba state, then you should look towards setting up your own Travels and Tours Company in the state. Doing so will align you with the State Government’s long term goal of making the state a top tourist destination in Nigeria. Just ensure that you keep tab with Taraba state government program on tourism so that you will know how to effectively play your part.

3. Mat Making Cottage Company

Mat making Cottage Company is one of the businesses an entrepreneur can launch in Taraba state. Once you are successfully in launching this type of business in the state, you must ensure that you market your products to the Muslim community in the state and outside the state; they are the major users of mats in Nigeria.

4. Cattle, Sheep and Goat Rearing Business

Another thriving business an entrepreneur can successfully start in Taraba state is cattle, sheep and goat rearing business. It is cheaper to run this type of business in the state and the profit potential from cattle, sheep and goat rearing business is much especially if you know how to create new markets outside the state.

5. Poultry Farm

Poultry farming is yet another viable and highly profitable business an entrepreneur can launch in Taraba state. All you need to do to become successfully in this kind of business is to

ensure that you put measure in place that will prevent the easy spread of bird diseases in your poultry farm. Of course the weather in Taraba state is ideal for poultry farming.

6. Coffee and Tea Farming Business

Coffee and tea farming is yet another profitable venture an entrepreneur can easily set up in Taraba state. The climatic condition and the soil composition are highly suitable for the cultivation of coffee and tea. So if you are interested in agriculture, you can consider starting your own coffee and tea plantation in Taraba state. The truth is that, the markets for Tea and coffee is not just restricted to Nigeria; if you have a good marking strategy in place, you can attract clients from Europe and other African countries.

7. Rice Production

Another crop that can easily grow in Taraba state is rice. So if you are looking towards owning an investment portfolio in the agric sector in Nigeria, then you should look towards going into rice production in Taraba state. Rice is a stable food that is consumed in all household in Nigeria and in most parts of the world.

8. Bakery Business

Bakery business is one of the businesses that an entrepreneur can setup in Taraba state and make good returns on their investment. All you need to do to make it big in this type of business is to ensure that you choose a location that is closer to a busy road in Taraba state to setup your bakery; Jalingo is ideal for this type of business. You can as well market your products to supermarkets in the state.

9. Carpentry/Furniture Workshop

Carpentry is another business an entrepreneur can successfully launch in Taraba state. Although there are several carpentry shops in Taraba state, but if you want to carve a niche for yourself in the state, all you need to do is to open a standard carpentry workshop where people can learn the trade. Such schools aren’t found in Taraba state.

10. Business Centre

Another easy to setup business that an entrepreneur can setup in Taraba state is a business centre; a place where people can type and print documents, make photocopies, laminate their documents, send and receive fax, make phone calls and scan their documents. Jalingo the state capital is the most ideal place to setup this type of business.

Taraba PDP Congress: State Chairman Returns Unopposed

The  Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has reflected Mr Victor Bala Kona, unopposed  to continue as the chairman of the party for a second term tenure.

The Taraba State chapter of PDP at its state congress held yesterday at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, also elected 29 members of the state party exco which consists the14 members of working committee and 15 non- working committee members.

All the exco were elected unopposed by delegates from the 16 local government areas and Yangu development area of the state, through secret balloting.

Announcing the results of the election, Mr Emmanuel Ekpirikpo, the chairman electoral committee, said Victor Bala Kona, was the only candidate who contested for the chairmanship seat and polled 675 votes to emmerge as winner.

At the congress, Mr Kuriya Taparki, was  also elected as the new  secretary of the party.
In his  acceptance speech,  Kona vowed to uphold and defend the constitution of the party.

Gov Ishaku Launches Free Medical Treatment In Taraba

The wife of Taraba State governor,  Mrs Anna Ishaku has launched  a free medical treatment in Jalingo tagged “Medical Rescue Outreach” which targets at least 80,000 patients across the state.

She noted at the ocassion that her  “Hope Afresh Foundation” was targeting 5000 people across each of the 16 local government areas of the state. She  added that she was motivated by persistent calls to her office for assistance in settling medical bills.

NBA give Taraba govt two days ultimatum to return illegal deductions

The Nigerian Bar Association Taraba state chapter has given Taraba state government two days ultimatum to return the illegally deduction of the legal officers who work in the state or boycott court activities all round Taraba state. 

Idris Abdulahi Jaro, the chairman NBA Jalingo branch disclosed this while briefing journalist at NBA state secretariat Jalingo. Jaro said the NBA has noticed with dismay that for over four months the salaries of legal officers from the state have been illegally deducted without meaningful reasons. 

He noted that the resolution, which was announced to journalist, was taken at NBA’s congress, and that if the state government did not comply within two days, the legal officers working in the state would not attend court proceeding for a whole week thereafter a stiffer action would be taken. 

We will bring DSK and other aggrieved members back to PDP - Hon. Bala Kona

Taraba state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been working hard to bring back aggrieved members of the party preparatory to the state Congress which is scheduled to hold in Jalingo the state capital.

 This was revealed to newsmen by the Chairman of the peoples Democratic Party, Hon Victor Bala Kona recently as part of the state party plans to get back all members on board for a more purposeful and successful outing in 2019.

Fulani herdsmen kill 13 Tivs in Taraba over land dispute

Suspected herdsmen have reportedly killed 12 people, including seven men, two women and children in Coromo, Dan- Anacha and Mutum Biyu communities in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Eighteen persons were also injured while 13 houses were burnt down in the melee.

The affected communities were dominated by Tiv speaking people of Benue.

FG opens talks with Gov Ishaku on 3050mw Mambilla project

 

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the federal government has commenced discussions with the Taraba State Governor, Mr Dickson Ishaku on the construction of 3050megawatts (mw) Mambilla Hydropower Plant in the state.
 

The project has been on the drawing board for over 30 years with little progress achieved on it.

The minister, who spoke at a public lecture in Lagos yesterday, said: “We have opened discussions with the Governor of Taraba State, Governor Dickson Ishaku, who incidentally was once a minister of state for power.

Fulani Herdsmen again Kill 6 in a Community in Taraba

Six people were yesterday killed by herdsmen at Korum, Orawua and Gidan Bature communities in Taraba state; despite the order recently given by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to clamp down on armed herdsmen attacking communities across the country.

The latest attack is coming barely two weeks after herdsmen killed 19 persons in several communities in Donga and Bali local government areas of Taraba State.
 

TARABASQUARE investigations revealed that the attack was launched on the communities following the return of Tiv farmers who were displaced by the crisis that erupted across Southern Taraba to their ancestral homes on the orders of Governor Darius Ishaku.

We Will Reposition PDP for a Better Outing in 2019 Elections – Senator Bwacha

Senator representing Southern Taraba in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, said the ongoing re-organisation embarked upon by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is meant to reposition the party for a more purposeful outing in 2019.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said this recently during the just concluded Ward Congress delegates election of the PDP in Takum, which is one of the areas that constitutes his Constituency, saying that, the challenges before the party are enormous and there is the need to reorganise and make it wax much more stronger so that it will take its rightful place in the country’s polity.

He maintained that since 1999 the PDP has been the ruling party until 2015 when it lost the position to the All Progressive Congress, APC, and said there is need to sensitise party faithfuls on the new role the party now found itself.

The law maker explained that the PDP is now in the opposition and it is important to be very effective in the new found role so that it will translate into good governance that the people have been yearning for in the country.

Senator Bwacha disclosed that though the re-organisation is a difficult task, he  assured that all avenues such as dialogue and continous negotiation will be explored to ensure that the party regains its position come 2019.

Speaking on the journey so far by the present administration of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said what every society desires most is peaceful coexistence and commended the effort of the present government for reducing the hitherto restiveness which was prevalent in some parts of the state to the nearest minimum, asserting that with peace Taraba will witness massive transformation in all facets.

He maintained that, though the issue of insecurity was a global phenomenon, he lamented that the administration that was sacked by the Supreme Court failed in its responsibility to provide the needed security for the citizens of the state which culminated into many deaths and destruction of property.

On the issue of the invasion of Taraba state by Bokoharam insurgents and cattle herdsmen which generated lots of heated debate in the Senate chamber of the National Assembly and resulted into a serious misconception by the ruling party, the APC, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said he has been proven right and his opponents put to shame and expressed happiness with the manner both Federal and state government are working hard to stop the menace.

The Senator however expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Ward Congress delegates elections. He pointed out that it was an opportunity for every card carrying member of the PDP to exercise their civic duty as members of the party in order to rejuvenate the party by giving all sense of unity and oneness, stressing that, he took it upon himself to go round his Constituency, Southern Taraba to ensure a hitch free exercise.

Gov Ishaku Vows to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity in Taraba

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, has promised to continue tackling the high rate of unemployment and security challenge in accordance to the mandate  given by the people of Taraba.

This was made known by Ishaku while addressing supporters at his residence in Takum local council of the state.

He also reiterated his determination to harness the state's abundant natural resources.Citing the tourism potentials available in the entire axis of the state. He has great plans to diversify Taraba economy.

 According to him, his government which has assembled the best formidable team of experts, would work to discourage the idea of waiting for crude oil money from the central government before paying workers and embarking on meaningful projects.

General Insecurity: Benue, Taraba bishops seek God’s intervention

Disturbed by violent clashes between herders and farmers, Catholic bishops in Benue and Taraba State met on Sunday at the St. Edward De Confessor Catholic Parish, Kashimbilla in Takum LGA of Taraba State to pray for God’s intervention.

The prayer session was attended by the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, the Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Rev. Dr. Peter Adoboh and Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Rev. Dr. Williams Amove Avenya who is also the Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, (CBCN).

NLC gives Taraba governor 30-day ultimatum, find out why

The Taraba State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has given Governor Darius Ishaku of the state the end of May to settle all the deductions made by the state government in the workers’ salaries.

The trade union wants the government to settle the salaries of all underpaid and omitted civil servants from October 2015.

The state chairman of the NLC, Peter Gambo, gave the ultimatum on Sunday during the May Day celebration in Jalingo, the state capital.

“The government should as a matter of urgency settle all deductions and omissions of salaries right from October 2015, and today before the end of May, 2016,” the NLC chairman said.

The union also advised the state government to initiate a process for settlement of what it called “all backlog of pensions and gratuities” to retired workers in the state.

The NLC also declared as unacceptable “the continued refusal” of the Taraba government to issue a salary circular for local government and primary school teachers.

“We also encourage the government to close the gap in the payments of local government staff and primary school teachers’ salaries,” Mr. Gambo said.

The union further demanded the immediate transfer of the consultant that is handling workers’ payments in the state from Abuja to Jalingo.

Source from Premiumtimes

Gov Ishaku Inspects Projects in Takum - The Working Governor

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Saturday inspects some ongoing projects in his country home, Takum.

The projects inspected included the 6.5 kilometres Takum, Katsina Ala road construction, the Abuja 2.2 kilometres township road which both are being handled by the Taraba Road Construction and Maintenance Agency, TARCMA, and the Takum power substation which is being handled by Dizzat company limited.

Speaking to Government House Press Crew shortly after the inspection, Governor Darius Ishaku expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work saying that by the terms of the agreement the the 6.5 kilometre should have been completed four months ago.

However, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stating that, the work is being carried out according to standard and specification and explained that the 6.5 kilometres road is among the projects he intends to commission while marking his one year in office.

Accordingly, the Governor said he will deploy the Commsioner of Works and Transport to come and monitor the pace of work so that the project will not lagg behind any longer by providing all that the Agency requires so that it will be completed and commissioned as intended by his administration.

Speaking on the 2.2 kilometres Abuja byepass road which is meant to connect the old and the new settlement in Takum, Governor Darius Ishaku explained that the area is a new settlement and most people are now moving to the area. As a result, there is need to provide them with an access road. 

Because of the deep gully which has separated the old and the new settlement, a bridge will be constructed so that the two areas would be connected and Takum town could be accessed from all angles.

The Governor was conducted round the two project sites by the project supervisor, Engineer Dauda Ishola who told the Governor that work is progressing steadily and solicited for prompt release of funds so that the Agency will be able to meet up with the new time.

Engr. Ishola regretted that the Agency lagged behind because there were problems with some of their equipment. He appreciated the Governor for his promptness in the replacement of some of their articulated vehicles that had broken down and stressed that at the moment the Agency has no problem in terms of equipment.

He also informed the Governor that the Agency discovered that one of the culverts is old and may not be able to accommodate and withstand the force of water when the project is completed and said in order to conform with engineering safety standard the culvert will be removed and a new mini bridge constructed in the 6.5 kilometres road.

While at the power substation, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku was taken round the project by the Managing Director of Dizzat company limited, engineer, Engr. Ishaku Tikon,  the areas inspected by the Governor included the already mounted 750 KVA transformer and the substation’s main building which is to serve as both offices and control room.

Engr. Tikon told the Governor that most of the work on the transformer have been completed. Only the outside protective components are being expected and assured the Governor that the delivery will be done this week, stating that the work will be completed far ahead of the time frame.

Governor Darius Ishaku expressed appreciation with the pace of work and commended the MD for keeping faith with his administration, explaining that, the level of work carried out so far by the company far outweighed what was given to him and assured the MD that all that is needed to help him complete the remaining work will be attended to with urgency.

Immediately after the inspection of the substation, Governor Darius Ishaku had no option but to  address a large gathering of Takum residents who came out in their numbers to cheer and assure him of their support for the various projects going on throughout the state, with particular emphasis on Takum town.

The Governor told the happy crowd that very soon Takum will be connected to the 33 KVA line from Katsina Ala which he said power supply will be improved, adding that, very soon Kashimbila will equally come up.

He told the gathering that he is determined to give the state his best urging them to take advantage of the electricity when fully completed; adding that when the 33 KVA becomes operational it would be extended to Ussa Local Government and Yangtu Special development areas respectively.

During the course of the inspection, Governor Darius Ishaku donated the sum of five hundred thousand Naira to a small scale business enterprise in Angwan Rogo that specialises in the fabrication of kitchen utensils using wood to help them boost their business. He also contracted them to fabricate about 100 different varieties of the utensils which will be paid for by the state government.
The business enterprise specialize in the fabrication of Morta  and pestle, wooden spoons and forks, wooden dishes, trays and cups.