TEXT OF NEW YEAR 2025 BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. AGBU KEFAS, GOVERNOR OF TARABA STATE

Fellow Citizens of Taraba State,

 

Happy New Year! On this day, the first of January 2025, I greet you with a heart filled with gratitude and hope. As we step into a new year, I extend my warmest wishes to every individual, family, and community in our beloved state. Together, we have journeyed through a transformative year, and I am confident that 2025 holds even greater promise for all of us.

 

REFLECTION ON 2024: A YEAR OF GROWTH AND CHALLENGES

 

Last year, we embarked on an ambitious journey to transform Taraba State, and despite several challenges I am proud of the strides we made together in the following areas:

Peace and Security:

 

Peace is the foundation of progress. We have been able to Strengthen security across all 168 wards, with other security agencies through the Joint Intelligence Network and expansion of the Taraba Marshall, working closely with traditional institutions and neighboring states.

 

*Healthcare:

 

The health and wellbeing of our people are paramount. We have built, and still building new healthcare centers, to provide free medical care for children, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, and increased investments in maternal health programs. We have procured a new mobile clinic van equipped with modern medical facilities which can be deployed to support clinical services in underserved communities in Taraba.

 

Education and Youth Empowerment:

 

Our children are the future of Taraba state. We have successfully launched free and compulsory education for primary and secondary levels. This year, will would continue to improve school infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers and ensure access to quality education for all. Modern schools are going to be constructed in all LGAs using innovative building technologies.

 

For our youth, skill acquisition programs and entrepreneurship support will remain top priorities.

 

Infrastructure:

 

We have so far laid plans on improving our road networks, we will focus on road construction and bridges, and urban facilities such as water supply systems and modern motor parks and markets in major cities like Jalingo, and other LGAS

Agriculture and Food Security:

 

Taraba is blessed with vast agricultural potentials. In revolutionizing agriculture and increased yields, we have remodeled several of our agricultural facilities; farmers were supported with modern farm inputs, youths were trained and empowered to handle advanced farming systems.

 

In order to respond to the threat of hunger, we have procured three thousand five hundred (3,500) metric tons of assorted grains and reserved for our citizens. Our target is to procure up to ten thousand (10,000) metric tons of assorted grains.

 

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR):

 

To secure Taraba states future, we must enhance our capacity to generate revenue internally. This means tapping into our vast agricultural, mineral and tourism potentials.

Our administration has prioritized measures to improve tax collection systems, eliminate revenue leakages, and ensure accountability.

 

Civil Service:

 

Our civil service is the engine, driving governance. To ensure it operates at maximum capacity, we are implementing comprehensive reforms. This includes capacity building programs, regular payment of salaries, pension and gratuities, and full implementation of the new national minimum wage. We are committed to creating a civil service that is responsive, transparent and accountable to the people. This is not just a promise but a responsibility we owe to every Taraban.

 

Tertiary Education:

 

The ministry of tertiary education was created to enhance quality service delivery and upgrade of physical infrastructures.

We will review all academic programs and staffing in order to align with modern academic practices. It will not be business as usual, we will not tolerate any act of sabotage.

 

Justice for the People:

 

We have established legal frameworks, modernized courts, and promoted Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to ensure swift and equitable access to justice.

 

Good Governance and Accountability:

 

Transparency remains a cornerstone of this administration. In 2025, we will strengthen mechanisms for citizen engagement and ensure that every naira spent is accounted for. Together, we will continue to build trust and mutual respect.

 

A Call for Unity and Collaboration

 

I urge all citizens of Taraba State-across ethnic, religious, and political lines-to unite for the common good. The strength of our diversity lies in our ability to work together toward shared goals.

Let us foster the spirit of togetherness that has always defined us as Tarabans.

 

2025 is not just a new year; it is a new chapter filled with opportunities. With God's guidance, the commitment of this administration, and the support of every Taraban, I am confident we will achieve greatness. Let us embrace this year with determination, faith, and the will to overcome any obstacle.

 

Conclusion

 

As we celebrate this New Year, I encourage you to remain hopeful and steadfast.

 

Together, we will continue to write a remarkable story for Taraba State a story of progress, peace, and prosperity for all.

 

Once again, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

Thank you for your constant support, and may God bless Taraba State.

 

Happy New Year!

 

*DR. Agbu Kefas 

Governor of Taraba State