Taraba Speaker Donates Life Jackets Worth Millions of Naira to Riverian Communities

Determined to halt further re occurrence of boat mishaps, life jackets worth millions of Naira were today doled out to Riverbank  communities of Sardauna Local Government Council of Taraba state by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tt. Hon. Peter Abel Diah.

The gesture, as observed by our state correspondent, would go along way to protect lives from being washed away by waters which are often necessitated by persistence rainfall.

The communities which share common international boundaries with the francophone country of the Republic of Cameroon, have no doubt been neglected by the Federal Government, following the absence of motor able roads, bridges across the numerous rivers to mention but few.

Most of the road linking the communities to Cameroon, which our reporter noticed are trunk A roads, are presently cap in hand soliciting for federal government attention as they are projects that cannot be shouldered by the state government and the local council.

Our reporter who recently visited the area, noticed that parts of the roads which are to some extend now motor able, were solely renovated by the speaker, whom according to him ” I am left with no any other option since the federal government has failed in its responsibility than not make life better for my people.”

Federal government failure to attend to the plights of communities domiciling in Sardauna council, has no doubt compelled a lot of them to the graveyards due to regular occurrence of boat accidents.

The latest of such accidents which occurred recently led to the death of no fewer than four persons. The situation which has continue to hindered the flow of business between both countries.

Some persons who spoke to our state correspondent, said had not been for the speaker who have continue to use his merger amount to work on the roads, provide life jackets, as well as boats, the situation of the communities, they said would have been worse than that of Internally Displaced Persons in the north-east states..

While beckoning on well to do individuals especially those from the areas to tread the paths of the speaker, the need for the federal government to as a matter of urgency wake up to his responsibilities by ceasing from relegating the communities which they said have contributed immensely to the economic and growth of the country, has become relevant.

Bearing his mind to our report, the speaker reiterates his readiness and determinations to continue to herald the much needed dividends of democracy to the door steps of the people of the council and the central zone at large.

Beckoning at the people to continue to make peace their watch word, the state government under the leadership of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, he said is harassing legitimate avenue to spread smiles on their faces.

Had the government at the center put the right peg in the right hole, the present plights confronting the people of Sardauna Council, would have long been a thing of the past.

The lukewarm attitudes of the federal government towards them which has no doubt negates the 1961 plebiscite, if not urgently address, would end up compelling some of the people to pay obeisance to the government of Cameroon instead of Nigeria.

Make Taraba Tourism Capital of Nigeria, Darius Tells FG

The Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Ishaku, has, in the wake of the urgent need to diversify the country’s economy, challenged the federal government to invest heavily in the tourism sector with special attention to his state.

Ishaku, who made this call while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, said that there is no better place to embark on any serious tourism initiative than Taraba state.

He said the federal government can only demonstrate its readiness to invest in the sector if it makes the state its main pivot scheme.

He said: “One area I believe is very lucrative in terms of investment, is tourism because if you check you find that some countries like Greece, Cuba and even Kenya here make tourism the corner stone of their economy. Tourism gives them enough and it enhances the employment opportunities in these places.

“Unlike other areas, tourism is the sector where the customer doesn’t leave with the commodity. Take the Taj Mahal in India. The place sees millions of customers yearly yet it is still standing. You can only leave with the experience but the tourism attribute remains there for the benefit of the owners. You can imagine how much we as Nigerians spend yearly in travels and sight seeings even with the tough times.

Countries are making a fortune from tourism even in a relatively unsafe world.”

The former university don turn politician, stressed that tourism is a low hanging fruit not requiring too much funding

According to him, “nature has practically finished the work for investment”. “Take our own offer for example. The Mambilla Plateau is already 80 per cent completed by nature with all the wondrous  sight and sound you find there. God has provided natural golf courses, water falls, wildlife, undulating hills and poetic scenes.  The way the weather is constituted, you would think God installed air-conditioning gadgets all over the place all year round.

“It also looks as if God was painting and painted this picture perfect place. So, nature has done its work. What remains now is for us to add the 20 percent of infrastructure needed. This would mean
good roads, hotels, amusement parks and shopping malls,” he noted.

Taraba State Now Ranked Highest In Hepatitis Cases

Like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Taraba State has again been rated the highest in the country in the prevalence of both hepatitis B and C.

While the national prevalence rate of both hepatitis B and C has remained at 12 percent and 2.2 percent, that of Taraba, according to Danjuma K. Adda, Executive Board Member, World Hepatitis Alliance, Africa Region, has risen to 25 percent and 15 percent respectively, making it the highest infected state in the country.

Adda, who made this known yesterday in Jalingo, Taraba State, while marking the World Hepatitis Day, also noted that 95 percent of “people infected are unaware” and that “less than 1 percent of infected persons have access to treatment.”
Poor access to prevention, drugs and medicines across the country, as well as poor access to diagnosis, he said, are some of the factors accelerating the growth of the epidemic in Nigeria.

Noting that Nigeria was signatory to the Global Health Section on Viral Hepatitis on elimination, as a target by 2030, he expressed dismay at the way and manner the disease is being handled.
Adda, who also doubles as the Executive Director CHAGRO-CARE TRUST, explained that one out of every three people in the world is infected with hepatitis B, while one in 12 lives with chronic HBV or HCV infection and that most people infected with these viruses are unaware of their infection.

Such persons, he said, “faced the possibility of developing debilitating or fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and unknowingly transmitting the infection to others.”



Credit: guardian.ng

RMRDC Gives 5,000 Tea, Coffee Seedlings To Farmers In Taraba

Tea and Coffee farmers in Taraba State were, on Tuesday in Abuja, presented with about 5,000 seedlings of tea and coffee donated by the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the RMRDC, Dr. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, regretted that the country recorded zero percentage in coffee production for the first four months of 2015 despite the fact that coffee consumption by Nigerians has continued to increase.

He noted that Nigeria has enormous potentials for tea production, especially in the Mambilla Plateau, but the total tea production in Nigeria is not important in the global market, insisting that its production meets only about 25 percent requirement of tea packers and that most of the tea bags sold in Nigeria are imported.

Dr. Ibrahim, who was represented by the council’s director in-charge of Agriculture and Agro-Allied, Abimbola Ogunwusi, however, noted that with adequate planning, Nigeria can make over USD60 million through coffee exports on annual basis, saying the global demand for Nigerian coffee is very high.

In his remark, the National President of the National Coffee & Tea Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Akin Gbadamosi, enumerated the various benefits of drinking coffee and tea and urged Nigerians to support its production nation-wide.

The Senator Representing Taraba Central in the Senate, Yusuf A. Yusuf, stressed the need for a law that will protect the production and processing tea and coffee in the country, saying he will personally lead the campaign.

Representative of tea and coffee farmers in Mambilla-Plateau, Adamu Danjuma Buba, while thanking RMRDC for the gesture, called for government’s assistance in the area of fertiliser, pesticides and access to loan.

The seedlings were donated to the farmers under the RMRDC’s boosting of agricultural raw material for industrial use programme and the event was well attended by stakeholders in the agricultural sector including the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture.

Source: Dailytrust

GOODNEWS! Taraba State University 2016 Screening Exercise Starts Today, See Detail

The Taraba State Screening exercise has started today has stipulated. The registration which took place between 25th and 27th, saw applicants complying to the guideline of the institution.

The exercise is expected to run from today to 30th, July, 2016 at the respective faculties candidates applied.

We at Tarabasquare indulge all applicants to report to the screening venue with the required documents. This includes;
1. Online application form
2. Jamb?UTME result slip
3. Original/photocopy of credentials

The screening date for direct entry candidates will be announce at a later date.

We shall keep you posted here. Goodluck to all prospective candidates.

BREAKING NEWS! TY Danjuma Now Ntel’s New Chairman

Nigerian business tycoon, Gen. TY Danjuma, has been named Board Chairman by the NatCom Development & Investment Limited “NatCom”, trading as ntel. The announcement was made on Wednesday, July, 2016 following General Danjuma’s inaugural board meeting. 

With General Danjuma as board chairman, former chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, becomes Vice Chairman. Other members of the board include Captain Idahosa Okunbo, Abiola Ayeni, Kasheem Shettima, Philip Chukwu, Kola Adesina, John Darlington, Dan Kunle, Babatunde Omotoba and Kamar Abass. General Danjuma, fondly known as ‘the green general’ on account of his environmental activism, has interests in oil and gas, banking and shipping.

A respected environmentalist and philanthropist, he was Chairman of Abuja Green Society and through his own Danjuma Foundation, established in 2009, passionately supports poverty alleviation, education and medical aid initiatives across Nigeria. General Danjuma brings to the ntel board robust commercial experience covering some three decades in the public and private sectors, following a successful career in the army from where he retired as a three-star General and Chief of Army Staff in 1980.

He also served as Minister of Defence in the first term of the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Commenting on this key addition to ntel’s board, Kamar Abass, ntel’s CEO, remarked “we are delighted to have a man of General TY Danjuma’s standing join us. As our new chairman, and as a shareholder, we welcome his support as we add momentum to our growth and development in Nigeria’s telecoms industry. 

We expect to benefit enormously from General Danjuma’s sterling leadership credentials and, in this way, to build on the excellent work of our immediate past chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, who positioned ntel to deliver the leading Broadband experiences already evidenced in Lagos and Abuja.” ntel commenced commercial operations of its 4G/LTE-Advanced network on 08-04-16 in Lagos and Abuja.

Network services in Port Harcourt are scheduled to commence early in Q4. NatCom projects making investments totalling more than $1billion by 2020. ntel is Nigeria’s most advanced mobile 4G/LTE network providing superfast Internet Access that enables high-definition voice, data and video services. ntel’s network is built on the 900/1800 Mhz frequency bands which are the best propagation frequencies for the deployment of 4G/LTE technology. ntel’s bouquet of services includes: National Bandwidth; International Voice Termination, International Bandwidth; Mobile and Fixed Communications services.

The company made its first on-net test data call in Lagos on Monday, January 18, 2016 and followed this with its first on-net Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) call in Lagos on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Commercial operations commenced on Friday April 8, 2016

Source: Vanguardngr

NITDA’s Taraba Smart City Project Gets World Recognition

Head, e-Government, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Bernard Ewah (left); Director of IoT Smart City Strategy and Market Development for Intel Corporation, Susan Tauzer and Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of US Ignite, Dr. Glenn Ricart, during a cheque presentation to Jalingo Internet of Things (IoT)-based Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Tracking and Monitoring project at the Global City Team Challenge Expo in Austin, Texas, United States

The Jalingo City’s Smart IDP Tracking and Monitoring project, designed and implemented under the tutelage of the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA’s) Nigeria Smart City Initiatives has won a global recognition.

The project was awarded the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) a $10,000 Leadership Prize at the just- concluded Smart City Innovation Summit in Austin, Texas, United States.

The Internet of Things (IoT)-based solution offers hope to thousands of Nigerians displaced in Jalingo, Taraba State with a medium to long term plan to implement the solution throughout the North Eastern region.

The project will also provide more accurate data to government agencies and support groups as well as enable citizens receive quicker and better quality response before, during and after displacements.
The Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) is a collaborative platform enabling local governments, nonprofits, academic institutions, technologists and private corporations from all over the world to form project teams or “Action Clusters” in order to work on groundbreaking Internet of Things applications within the smart city environment.

Across the country GCTC Action Clusters are working to address the country’smost pressing problems in the areas of transportation, public safety, health, education, waste management, internal revenue collection and so much more.

The Jalingo IoT based IDP Tracking and Monitoring System Action Cluster consists of the NITDA, Hope Afresh Foundation Jalingo, Jalingo Local Government Council, IDEA Hub, Land Gate Consultancy and a host of telecommunications companies in Nigeria.

Source: Guardian

Taraba Speaker’s Driver Dead, 2 Other Missing In Boat Mishap

A senior driver of Taraba State House of Assembly's Speaker, Peter Diah, is one of the three persons pronounced missing as a neighborhood vessel, conveying nine travelers and three cruisers, apparently overturned at Ngira town crosswise over River Donga in Sadauna Local Government Area of the state. 

The mishap, which happened at a universal course connecting Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, killed one of the travelers. The driver was said to be headed from Gyembu, where he had gone to a wedding of the child of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Political Matters, Abubakar Bawa, to the Speaker's town, Vakunde, in the same Sadauna Local Government.

The Speaker, Peter Diah, who addressed Vanguard through his Personal Assistant, Muhammed Harris, faulted the mishap for over-burdening of the nearby vessel and absence of open streets inside the zone. He facilitate uncovered that the quick past executive of Sadauna Local Government Area, Dawood Joduwa, and a previous Councilor from the nearby government region, were among the five that survived the mishap.

Vanguard gathered that the mishap happened in the early hours of Saturday and most travelers in the pontoon were headed to pay tribute to the Speaker, who was in the town for the weekend. Diah likewise disclosed that endeavors were still on to locate the missing persons. He begged government at all levels to build streets inside the territory to facilitate the sufferings of local people and lessen such accident.

Credit: Vanguard

SEND STORY: DO YOU HAVE A STORY, ARTICLES OR EVENTS, THAT YOU WISH TO SHARE?

Tarabasquare management encourages visitors and readers to send their stories.

Where ever you may be within Taraba or outside and you have any story to report, send it to us. Breaking news from your locality, campus news if you are a student, events, workshop, seminar.

Send your story to our email: tarabasquare@gmail.com or whatsapp/sms to 08036994226

Kwararafa Uni.V. C, Advocates Special Fund For Private Higher Education

For private Higher Education to effectively grow in Nigeria, a special intervention fund, as suggested by the Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, must be establish for both public and private higher education.

More to that rather than restricting the TETFUND to public education, the need to as well extend such olive branch to private higher education, as opined by him, would as well assist in accelerating the growth of private education in the country.

Ochefu, who made this known during the  commissioning of the Rufkatu Asibi Kuru Danjuma E-Liberary, located in the university premises in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba state, sees education as a ” prime mover of society” hence the need for government to as well herald smiles on the faces of private higher education through the aforementioned suggestions.

Citing the Nollywood industry, Airlines, Automobile, Taxtile, Small and Medium Enterprises, that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has in the past provides special intervention funds for, such gesture, extended to private higher education, he said would further boost the education standard of the country.

” Such a fund” according to him ” will enable resource-challenged institutions like us to access credit at concessionary rates and help reduce our cost of providing service.

Though aware that the ” existing law does not allow”TeTfund to extend helping hands to ” private university financially” but the need for the fund to allow private university ” access to research grant rather than the current practice of insisting that we pair with public institutions” he believed is not good tidings

Believing that the much desired educational goal for the country can be reach by both private and public higher institution, the need for the authority assigned with educational responsibility to desist from discriminating against private university, he believed can no longer be overemphasized.

In his word ” they can also lend us money at concessionary rate, the repayments of which will contribute to improving the portfolio of the Fund.”

Believing that the former Minister of Defense, General T.Y Danjuma is a ” confidant of the President of the Republic of Nigeria” he pleaded with him, to draw the attention of Mr. President to the above suggestions, stressing that ” you may wish to share these ideals with him.”

The said e-library which was named after the late mother of General T.Y Danjuma, has a seating capacity of about 300. The e-library, as gathered by Naija247News, has a physical collection of 10,000 books, journals and other publications ” it gives us access to 1.5 million publications across globally recognized channels such as science direct, EbscoHost and AJOL etc” according to the VC.

Apart from the financial problems presently confronting the university that have relocated from its temporary site to its permanent site in the same council, the V.C was optimistic that the much desired dream of the institution would be actualize hence the need for the people of the community, the local government and the state at large to contribute their quotas to its growth.

Overwhelmed by the rapid growth of the university, Danjuma, whom Naija247 News learnt has contributed so much to the development of the school, went ahead to made a pledge of N200million for the institution.

The commissioning as noticed by our correspondent herald the presence of dignitaries from the nooks and crannies of the country among which is the former Minister of Information. Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Idris D. Waziri, traditional rulers from far and near to mention but few.

Credit: Naija247news

Sick Minister, Aisha Alhassan, Attended FEC Meeting On Crutches

The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, on Wednesday, attended a meeting of the Federal Executive Council on crutches.

Dressed in a flowing gown, Alhassan was helped into the venue of the meeting inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by her security aide.

At the end of the meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the minister also joined the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Audu Ogbeh; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, to brief journalists on the outcome.

Immediately she took her seat, her security aide collected the crutches from her.

At the end of the briefing, the female security operative quickly returned the crutches to the minister to enable her to leave the venue.

Our correspondent learnt that the minister had undergone a knee surgery in the United States.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, had, during the FEC’s meeting on June 8, confirmed that Buhari and three of his ministers were indisposed at the time.

Lawal disclosed this while saying the opening prayer at the beginning of the meeting, which was presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Buhari was at the time in London on a 10-day vacation during which he saw Ear, Nose and Throat doctors in relation to what the Presidency described as his “persistent ear infection.”

Lawal had disclosed that Alhassan “is recuperating in the US after a surgery.”

He also prayed for the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who he said “is down with back pain.”

Shortly after he concluded his prayer, the SGF was reminded that he did not mention the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril.

Lawal quickly added Jibril’s name to his list of sick cabinet members.

He, however, did not disclose the nature of Jibril’s sickness.


Source: Punchng

Two Kidnapping Suspects Arrested By Taraba State Police Command

Men of the Taraba State Police Command arrested two suspected kidnappers on Thursday in Iware village of Ardo Kola Local Government Area, after a successful abduction of two people in some Fulani settlements in the area.

Confirming the arrests, the State Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, Joseph Kwaji said the suspects were brought to the State Police Command by the Divisional Police Officer, Ardo Kola Division adding that investigations are ongoing towards arresting others.

Kidnapping is becoming rampant in some parts of the State mostly involving well to do people in the society and the PPRO assured  the public of police commitment to safeguard lives and properties of Tarabans.

When contacted the State Chairman Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Taraba State Chapter, Sahabi Jauro Mahmuda decried  the attitude of such ungodly people in the society stressing that his association will not leave any stone unturned in fishing out bad eggs in the society.

He revealed that he summoned all his members from Ardo Kola Local Government  Area for general meeting next Saturday to deliberate on issues bordering on the peace and development of the State.

An eyewitness from Iware said one AK 47 and locally made double barrel were confiscated from the suspects as well as one point five million naira.

Those arrested are Musa Abdullahi and Isa Yahaya both from Mayo Kam and Jatau villages in Bali Local Government Area while victims of the abduction are Alhaji Dabo and Alhaji Ruwa of Gonan Alhaji Abba Area.

NAFDAC Seizes Sex Stamina Drugs, Tramadol, Others Worth N15 Million In Taraba

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has in its recent operations in Gembu, Taraba State, impounded unregistered drugs worth N15 million.

The impounded drugs included Tramadol and Sildenafil combination.
Joseph Asikpo, the state coordinator of the agency, made this known at a media briefing in Jalingo on Friday.

According to him, the drugs were evacuated in 20 sacks and seven cartons from some hidden stores in the area.

He said that the Tramadol and Sildenafil combination was an unregistered drug used by people in the area to enhance sexual performance.
“The problems associated with Tramadol alone outweigh its benefits because its indiscriminate use causes serious bodily harm.
“This is because the drug has addictive tendency and it is responsible for several violent behaviour we see on the streets today,” Mr. Asikpo said.

The coordinator said that other illegal drugs seized included banned Analgin and Gentamycin injections, fake Swidar and Ampiclox tablets, fake Mixagrip, different brands of Nimesulide, among others.

He said that the agency had imposed administrative charges on Amatex, Emmy CY and Aleke patent medicine stores in the area for being in possession of the illegal drugs.
Mr. Asikpo said that the patent medicine stores must pay the charges, assuring that the illegal drugs would be destroyed soon.

The coordinator vowed to sanction any trader found selling any banned consumable in the state.
“We are continuously carrying out mop up of commonly used but banned products such as Crusader, Mekako, Montclaire and Amirah soaps and other mercury containing products.
“These products are causative agents for skin cancer and kidney problem,” Asikpo said.

He advised the general public to always check the expiration dates and NAFDAC registration number of products before consumption.

Mr. Asikpo appealed to consumers to always report anyone found selling expired drugs or beverages to the agency for quick action.

Credit: Premiumtimesng

Darius Recalls Four Monarchs From Suspension

The governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku has recall four out of seven traditional rulers who were suspended for aiding and harboring criminal elements, as well as conducted illegal sales of lands belonging to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs to unknown persons in their domains.

The deputy governor of the state Engr. Haruna Manu disclosed this in his office, while addressing stakeholders from the affected local government areas (Bali and Gasol) who were at government house in connection to the issue.

Manu stated that the district head of Taka in Mutum Biyu Chiefdom under Gasol local government (Ali Adamu), the district head of Tella in Gasol Chiefdom under Gasol local government (Bello Chiloma), district head of Sendirde in Gasol chiefdom under Gasol local government area (Ali Umaru Tafida) and ward head of Sabon Dale in Bakundi chiefdom under Bali local government area were lifted from their earlier suspension by the governor.

He further revealed that the suspension was carried out for serious security reasons, emphasizing that the administration could not sit idly and allow people who occupy sensitive positions of responsibilities to foment trouble in their various domains. “We acted swiftly based on accurate security report to restore harmony and avoid further breach of peace in the areas affected” 

He directed the permanent secretary Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yero to issue the four traditional rulers with letter of reinstatement and warning through their respective chiefs. He also advised the reinstated traditional rulers to live above board and avoid a repeat of what happened that attracted their earlier suspension. It would be recall that in February 2016, Governor Darius Ishaku suspended seven traditional rulers from Gasol and Bali local government areas of the state for sales of lands belonging to IDPs to unknown persons.

By John Mkom

SHOCKER! Goat Gives Birth To ‘Human Being’ in Taraba [PHOTO]

There was confusion in Taraba State recently after a goat gave birth to a creature, which looks so much like human being.

An eyewitness, Rariya wrote in her Facebook wall that residents were thrown into shock after a nanny goat allegedly gave birth to the baby goat in ‘human form’

She said residents were alleging that the owner of the goat may have had sex with the nanny goat.

More details later...

Youth Group Lobby Taraba Assembly On National Bill

A Group known as the Youth Initiative For Advocacy Growth and Advancement,(YIAGA), is seeking the support of the Taraba State House of Assembly on the National Day of Action ‘set aside to peacefully engage the National Assembly and state assemblies on the Not Too Young To Run Campaign’.

The group made this known in a visit Wednesday, to the Taraba State House of Assembly, where they were received by the Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah.

According to the letter presented to the Speaker, and signed by Mu’azu Muhammed Danburram, ‘The activity is designed to demonstrate that the large youth population is in support of the Bill being considered in the National Assembly’.

According to the letter, the rally was not a protest, but a peaceful citizen engagement with the State House of Assembly and that the ‘campaign comprises of youth organizations drawn from different parts of the Country working to promote youth issues in policy making and constitution review process’.

While calling on all to support the Bill through social media promotions, public hearing and submission of memoranda, it added that a copy of the Bill could be downloaded on: www.yiaga.org/nottooyoungtorun.

The Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah, in his remarks however, promised that the House would give its support at the right time.Taraba

By Victor Gai

Taraba House Of Assembly Approves Replacement For Deceased Government Officials.

The Taraba State House of Assembly has Monday, approved the appointment of Prince Gubairo Joel Danfulani as member,Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), and Zelani Hamawa Yana as Councillor, Titon Ward of Sardauna LGA.

In a letter sent to the House from the Office of the Executive Governor, and dated 12th July, 2016, has it that the move was to replace Hon Musa Dyegbea as member, Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), who ‘unfortunately’ is deceased. Likewise, Zelani Hamawa Yana is to replace the Councillor of Titon Ward of Sardauna LGA, who is said to be deceased.

‘In order to fill the vacuum, I have nominated Prince Gubairo Joel Danfulani, after due consultation with the stakeholders from Kurmi Local Government’.

Also, the letter further added that ‘In the last approval by the House, the name, Hon Ishaku Adamu of Sabin Gida ward from Gassol Local Government was mistakenly omitted. Kindly grant approval to the Honourable Councillor’.

In a plenary presided over by Speaker, Abel Peter Diah, the House, by a unanimous decision, approved the appointments.

Wate Supply Scheme: Gov Ishaku To Construct Additional Reservoirs

As part of the ongoing search for the source of water that would sufficiently reach all the nooks and crannies of Jalingo metropolis and it environs, additional reservoirs will be constructed by the Taraba State Government to complement the existing ones.

This was revealed by the Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku during an assessment tour of Mount Jalingo where the state Government is to construct additional reservoirs through SCC, the company handling the Jalingo Primary Water Supply Scheme.

Governor Darius Ishaku said water is a priority for his administration and he is determined to ensure that Jalingo the state capital enjoys steady, pure drinking water at all times, hence the need to assess areas that would be used in making the project a reality.

The Governor stressed that the reservoirs that would be constructed are meant to store more water and to compliment other reservoirs that were constructed by the African Development Bank, (AfDB).

Darius Ishaku maintained that mount Jalingo is strategically located in a vintage part of the state capital with desired height that would be suitable for the construction of additional reservoirs that would facilitate speedy distribution of water.

He disclosed that the new reservoirs that would be constructed by SCC company on top of Mount Jalingo will be artistically designed to serve dual purposes, water and tourist center, adding that, apart from beautifying the town, a restaurant will be built also on top of the mountain which will be used to host visitors whenever they are in the state.

The Governor further said apart from the restaurant, a mini market will be constructed at the foot of Mount Jalingo which would be used to sell locally made crafts as well as the display of locally made fabrics that are worn by different ethnic groups in the state aimed at creating jobs and generating revenue for the state.

Governor Darius Ishaku also mentioned that when the project is completed, efforts would be made to sensitise the populace on the importance of paying water rates.

He stressed that with proper sensitisation, it will be easier to key into it, thereby giving the government the desire to do more for the people.

Corroborating on the Governor’s position, the General Manager of Taraba Water Supply Agency, Engineer Buba Siam, explained that though several boreholes have been sunk in Jalingo during the dry seasons, most of the boreholes rarely meet the water needs of the metropolis.

He announced that at the moment the AfDB in partnership with the Taraba state Government has been working hard to provide water to the state capital with the construction and laying off of over 60 kilometres of water pipelines.

Buba Siam explained that the population of the state is increasing steadily and it has become imperative to scout for additional water sources that will meet the water needs of the increasing population being occasioned by the influx of people because of the peace that is enjoyed in the state capital.

He also said that the 150 kilometres of pipes that are expected to be laid by SCC will increase water supply in the state.

Takum LGA Chairman, Hon Tikari, Lauds Darius Giant Strides In Takum

The Chairman of Takum Local Government Area, Hon. Shiban Tikari has commended Taraba state Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku for embarking on projects that will fast track development in the state.

Hon. Shiban Tikari said this recently in Takum in an interview with news men on the landmark contribution made by Governor Ishaku in the past one year as the Governor of Taraba state most especially his country home, Takum.

The new Caretaker Chairman praised the leadership style of Arch. Darius Ishaku which is devoid of any form of sentiment but poised to carry all for the benefit and progress of the state.

He thanked the Governor for the wonderful work he has embarked upon in Takum, saying that, before now, the major road from Katsina Ala to Takum Central Market was an eyesore, and hardly motorable causing untold hardship to motorists and pedestrians most especially in the rainy season.

Shiban Tikari who was full of appreciation, said the road has been tarred thereby giving the town from Katsina Ala and Wukari axis a befitting look and people now ply the road with ease and added that, similar work is ongoing at Abuja road in Anguwan Rogo which is expected to serve as a ring road in Takum.

The Chairman stated that work is almost completed in the mounting and the installation of 7.5KVA transformer in Takum which is to effectively accommodate the two power sources, the 33KVA from Katsina Ala and that of hydropower from Kashimbila Dam, and  pointed out that, very soon, Takum town will have steady power supply from two different sources which will help create job opportunities to citizens of Takum.

Similarly, Hon. Shiban Tikari said very soon, Takum town will also be linked to Kashimbila Dam and the era lack of portable drinking will be a thing of the past, explaining that, the state government has concluded arrangement for the award of contract for the laying of pipes as well as the repairs of broken down water facilities within the Local Government Area.

He said Takum Local Government is a beneficiary of the state of the Art Maternity clinic courtesy of Development Africa, a faith based Christian organization in collaboration with the TY Danjuma Foundation and will be supported by the Taraba state government, and quickly pointed out that, all these good things are happening in Takum because the Governor who has the interest of his people at heart is in charge.

Speaking on security issues, the Chairman said Takum has been experiencing some security problems bothering on armed robbery and occasional kidnapping and commended the Taraba state Governor, Darius Ishaku who in collaboration with security agencies have reduced criminality in the area to the bearest minimum by identifying hotspots that are regularly being used by the criminals and stationed security personnel coupled with regular patrol from the Military.

Shiban Tikari maintained that apart from the incessant robbery which has been minimised, Takum has been enjoying relative peace pointing out that it’s been long that Takum had experienced any form of crisis.

He stated that he will continue to work in partnership with people to sustain the peace which the present administration led by Darius Ishaku has been urging people in the state to give him and thanked the Governor for reinvigorating on the peace and reconciliation committee, averring that it will help reposition the state security wise and pledged his loyalty and that of the entire people of Takum to the success of the Rescue Mission in the state.

Darius With Ogbeh, Minister Of Agric: Working On Agricultural Development Plan For Taraba

Gov. Darius Ishaku and his team paid a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Agriculture. Audu Ogbeh, the minister of Agriculture was on ground to welcome them.

Agricultural development plan for Taraba state and its implementation in order to improve the revenue generated by the Government, was the sole purpose of the visit. Taraba as we know, has a very large land mass with abundance arable lands and no wonder it is refered to as  nature's gift.

Recently, we disclosed that the Goverment putting plan in place to send 100 youths for training in Isreal in the field of agriculture.

Gov Ishaku said his government is planning to diversify more into agriculture to create jobs for people of the state and generate revenue.

Ishaku said “If attention is given to agriculture, the state will generate more revenue than what we are getting at the moment.”

See more images...

Taraba Assembly Passes Fiscal Responsibility Commission Bill Into Law.

The Taraba state Fiscal Responsibility Commission (Amendment Bill) 2016 had Tuesday, been passed by the Taraba state House of Assembly, in order to enhance the powers of the commission in the performance of its functions.

In a plenary presided over by Speaker, Abel Peter Diah, the House had considered the Bill the third time and by a unanimous decision passed it into Law thereby amending the former Law- The Taraba State Fiscal Responsibility Commission Law No.7 of 2011.

According to the amended Law, the Commission shall among several others, have power to: Request for and obtain information relating to public revenue, expenditure and related matters from any person, department, public institution or body or arm of the government of the state.

It shall interview any person it deems necessary with regards to government revenue and expenditure; Monitor and enforce the remittance of revenue by all corporations and government agencies into the consolidated revenue fund as is herein provided and publish same at the commencement of every fiscal year; Collaborate and cooperate with all or any of the Nigeria Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission or any other agency, public body, Ministry, Extra-Ministerial Department of the State.

The Commission shall also, ‘without prejudice to the powers of the Auditor General of the State, review or verify the financial records of any Government Agency, Corporation,Ministry, Extra-Ministerial Department of the State.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah, in his remarks after the Bill has been passed into Law, stated that the only way the State could look inwards was by passing the Bill into Law in order to generate revenue for the State. He however, warned MDA’s who were alleged to not cooperating with the Committee on IGR to desist henceforth in order not to incur the wrath of the House.
The amended Law would be sent to the Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, for his assent.

Top 7 Android Apps You must Have From July 2016, Opera Max Topping - Newstrafficker

Top 7 Android Apps You must Have From July 2016, Opera Max Topping - Newstrafficker

Gov. Ishaku Focuses On People Oriented Projects, Improves State Economy

Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku has assured people of the state that he will continue to keep the flag flying in the execution of people oriented projects affirming that he will  strife to carry all along.

Governor Darius Ishaku said this recently in Government House Jalingo when he hosted officials of both Muslim and Christian Associations to a breaking of fast, hence the need to pray fervently within this period for a lasting and enduring peace in the state.

Gov. Darius Ishaku maintained that the reason why he invited the leadership of the two faiths is to further encourage them on the need for peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups that belongs to either of the faith, saying that, the reason why the people are seated peacefully is because there is peace in the state and beckoned on the leaders of the two religions to inculcate sound moral values that would engender mutual respect and harmonious interactions.

He however expressed optimism that, with the gradual peace returning to the state it would usher in more development even at a more faster pace and reiterated that he intends to proactively transform the Mambila Beverages Production Company to produce about ten percent tea requirement of the country.

The Governor also informed the gathering that modalities are being worked out for the state to maximally explore other areas such as coffee, palm oil processing and irrigation with special focus on dry season rice farming and regretted that the Taraba State cassava processing plant has not been functional for some time but, reiterated his administration’s determination to as matter of urgency liaise with our partners so that the company will resume production.


Darius Ishaku said other areas that the state government intends to holistically reorganize and re- energise some Ministries for the benefit of the state, which include education, health and the Agricultural sectors, with the aim of making them vibrant more in meeting the needs of the people of the state and quickly pointed out that, though the state is cash trap, is an opportunity to be ingenious and diversify the state revenue sources particularly in mining and agriculture.

Governor Darius Ishaku appreciated the civil servants for their patience, understanding and resilience, explaining that the present salary verification is in the best interest of the state and assured that very soon civil servants in the will have course to rejoice when the exercise is concluded.

He also used the forum to thank the Taraba State House of Assembly and the judiciary for working closely with him and according him the maximum support that has been helping him in piloting the affairs of the state.

The Governor appreciated the two Chairmen, CAN and Muslim councils for their kind words and support and equally recognising the contribution of his wife in the state and assured them that his administration will engage them positively for the overall peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the people of state.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Muslim Council, Alhaji Inuwa Jauro Mafindi commended the state Governor for the successes his administration has so far recorded within the period of one year in office and urged him to continue to do more for the people of the state.

Inuwa Jauro said it was thoughtful of him as the Chief Executive of the state to bring the two religious bodies together during this Ramadan to fraternise with the sole objective of enhancing peace and mutual coexistence in the state and appealed to the Governor to sustain the wonderful initiative, adding, the Muslim Council Chairman also commended the effort of the first lady for working tirelessly to bring succour to women and youths in the state and encouraged her not to relent in the good works that she has started through her foundation, Hope Afresh.

On his part, the CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Ben Ube said the emergence of Governor Ishaku as Taraba State Governor was not an accident but God’s design and this has been attested to by the numerous laudable projects that have either been commissioned or are on going and prayed for more peoples oriented projects that will better the lives of Tarabans.

Dr. Ben Ube maintained that the rescue mission is yielding great results and assured the Governor of CAN’s support and that, he shall prevail in all that he ventures into and task the Governor to run an all encompassing administration so that the smiles he has started putting on the faces of people of the state will continue to the end.

Credit: Taravoices

Taraba To Access N14.16 Billion FG Loan Facility For More Project Development

The Taraba state Government is set to take a N14.16 Billion Facility under the Federal Government Conditional Budget Support Facility subject to meeting certain conditions, as resolved by the National Economic Council.

A letter sent to the Taraba state House of Assembly by Governor of Taraba state, Arc. Darius Ishaku, dated June 28, 2016, seeking the approval of the House, stated that the ‘state has been formally offered the sum of N14.16 Billion…. and shall be available in three tranches.

According to the letter, the facility was due to the economic meltdown as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil which hampers the ability of states to discharge their responsibilities.

The letter reads:‘The disbursements are conditional upon the initial financial review and the attainment of targets to be outlined in an individually tailored Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP).The terms of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) were agreed at the National Economic Council Meeting held on May 19,2016.This subsidized interest rate of 9 per cent, one year moratorium and ten year tenure was agreed upon. Repayments have been securitized against future dividends or refunds due from the Federal Government’.

The Speaker, Abel Peter Diah, presided over the plenary and read the letter without any debate.  The governor concluded in the letter that ‘in order to move our state to another level, we need this funding programme.

The consent of the members on the document was sought through a voice vote and by a unanimous consent, the House approved the Facility. The Speaker then directed the Clerk of the House, to communicate the governor on the development.

However, Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah, in his remarks, stressed that the Facility was only meant for capital projects and not recurrent expenditure.

Meanwhile, the House has adjourned sitting to July 11, 2016, to enable members celebrate the Sallah.

EFCC Investigates Garba Umar(UTC) For Alleged Stealing Of Taraba State Fund

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigation into the alleged looting of Taraba States treasury by the sacked Acting Governor, Garba Umar, popularly called UTC.

Ibrahim Lamorde

Umar’s name is on a list with 10 former governors standing trial for alleged corruption.

The anti-corruption agency invited him in a letter dated June 6, signed by the Head of Economic Governance, Olufunke Adetayo-Ogumbode.

The letter, entitled: “Investigation Activities –Letter of Invitation”, was received by the Taraba State government on July 17, requesting the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Anthony Jellason, to ask Umar to report to the EFCC for “an interview.”

Jellason was fired by Umar when he (Jellason) was the commissioner for Agriculture. Jellason’s sack, including that of ex-Governor Danbaba Suntai’s loyalists, by Umar, was believed to be political.

Our Source learnt that the majority of Taraba indigenes demanded the probe of the former acting governor, for allegedly stealing billions of the state’s funds and leaving Taraba in a debt of over N20billion, mostly incurred from bank overdrafts.

Following the plane crash involving ex-Governor Suntai on October 25, 2012, Umar, his deputy, became the acting governor between November 14, 2012 and November 21 last year when he was sacked by the Supreme Court for “illegally and unconstitutionally occupying the office.”

It was reported that “Umar, during his illegal reign, threw to the dogs, financial and administrative instructions with impunity.” He was also accused of lack of accountability and fiscal recklessness.

Umar is to answer questions on three-count charge, including conspiracy, theft and abuse of office, according to the EFCC.

Its letter reads: “The commission (EFCC) is conducting an enquiry into a case of conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.”