DIPLOMAN TIMES

Taraba State has announced a ₦2.5 billion package covering social protection, youth development and crisis recovery, alongside a 168-ward development programme, fiscal transparency measures, electricity planning, infrastructure follow-up and clemency for 24 inmates.

In a Taraba State government publication dated October 2, the administration said Governor Agbu Kefas had announced ₦2.5 billion in approved funding for vulnerable households, young people and crisis-affected communities. The package comprises ₦500 million for TARABA CARES, ₦1 billion for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency and another ₦1 billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected areas.

The TARABA CARES programme is scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2027 and is intended to prioritise households facing severe hardship, including widows with dependants, older persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable families. The governor directed responsible agencies to publish assistance details, eligibility requirements and registration procedures, with selection based on verified need and a complaints mechanism.

The administration also announced a 168-Ward Quick Impact Development Programme to be unveiled before the end of October 2026, with each ward expected to receive a small project selected according to local need. A Teachers' Welfare, Professionalisation and Housing Programme is scheduled to begin in 2027, while the state plans measures to develop fisheries, food processing and other livelihoods around its rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands.

On public finances and infrastructure, Governor Kefas directed financial authorities to provide an accessible statement of the state's verified debt position, inherited obligations, approved and drawn financing, repayments and debt-servicing requirements. He also directed an immediate engagement with the North East Development Commission, Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the contractor handling the Namnai Bridge reconstruction, with a seven-day report expected on project status, construction challenges and a realistic timetable.

The governor further outlined electricity-development planning around small and medium hydropower and solar opportunities, announced a stakeholder meeting on responsible artisanal mining for October 3, and introduced the Our Taraba, Our Responsibility civic and environmental initiative. He also announced that, following consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, clemency had been approved for 24 inmates whose cases had been reviewed.