Uhuru Samuel Adaji Jalingo 

Taraba State Governor Dr Kefas Agbu has declared state of emergency on primary and secondary education in the state. 

Governor Agbu who  made the declaration during an interaction with journalists in Jalingo on Saturday at the Exco Chambers of Government House Jalingo  also vowed to set the ground running with execution of people’s orientated projects. 

The Governor said that the situation of Primary and Secondary schools in the state was so pathetic and totally unacceptable and said urgent measures will be taken to tackle the situation expediently.

“Haven seen the situation of our Primary and Secondary schools, I hereby declare state of emergency on our Primary and Secondary schools. The standard, the environment and everything needs to be changed. We have templates of what we want our schools to look like. We have templates that will help us transform our schools to centres of learning as they should be. We would also prioritize teachers welfare and training, retraining and more training of teachers in line with contemporary standards and realities” he said.

The Governor also hinted that the administration will audit the handover notes and other states records, not as a witch-hunt but to identify mistakes and avoid them as well as correct wrongs if any.

Governor Agbu insists that his government would be people centred and all policies will be based on the identified needs of the people 

“80% of my commissioners will be young people so that we can have a succession plan and also have results. That is why I have appointed well experienced and matured persons as SSG and Chief of Staff so that they will be a guide to the young persons. I just want to carry people along otherwise, I can roll out my Commissioners today.

“Our development approach is people based and we will get back to them for what they want from us since we are here to serve them. We have our templates and blueprint in place and we will align it with the needs of the people in the course of our intensive interactions with them.

“Governance is a continued process. We would look at all ongoing projects and those that have been commissioned without been completed will be reevaluated. Anything that is good for the people of Taraba will not be abandoned” he said.

Governor, Agbu, announced on  his plans to initiate the first wave of projects in all 16 local government areas of the state, prioritizing the needs and preferences of the communities.

He emphasized his commitment to seeking input from the communities before embarking on any project, ensuring that the immediate impact is felt by the people.

“My first set of projects across 16 local governments of Taraba would be based on what is the people’s priority and determination. I will go round the communities where votes came, ask what they want the government to do for them,” Governor Agbu stated, underlining his dedication to inclusive governance.

He added, “I will not just execute projects, I will ask the people to tell me exactly what they want. I do not want a situation where projects would be executed, and the immediate community would not know the impact.”

“My desire for quality representation and general good governance for Taraba is not negotiable. I will ensure a boost in infrastructural development to place Taraba among contending Nigerian states in terms of development,” Governor Agbu affirmed.

Youth development and empowerment were cited as top priorities for the governor, with plans to appoint qualified youths to represent the state in various developmental sectors of governance.

Governor Agbu concluded by expressing his intent to select competent individuals who can effectively contribute to the state’s development. Their appointments will be based on merit and their ability to deliver high-quality service for the benefit of Taraba State.