Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has announced plans to create 14 Development Areas across the state to bring governance closer to the people.
Kefas disclosed this on Friday in Jalingo during a statewide broadcast marking his three years in office.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring that all ethnic groups in the state were adequately represented and carried along in governance.
The governor highlighted achievements recorded by his administration across different sectors since assuming office in 2023.
According to him, the declaration of a state of emergency in education led to the introduction of free education at primary and secondary school levels as well as a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees for tertiary institutions in the state.
Kefas also said his administration had improved healthcare delivery through the renovation and remodelling of the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, remodelling of the General Hospital, Bali, and the upgrading of the First Referral Hospital, Donga, to a General Hospital.
He further listed the furnishing of the College of Nursing and Midwifery and the procurement of a CT-Scan machine for the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, among achievements in the health sector.
The governor added that the renovation and remodelling of General Hospital, Warwar, as well as new structures at the College of Health Technology, Takum, formed part of ongoing reforms in the sector.
On agriculture, Kefas said the administration had supported farmers, encouraged agricultural expansion and positioned Taraba as a major contributor to food security in the country.
“We are also taking deliberate steps to improve livestock development, reduce conflicts associated with farming activities and create better economic opportunities for citizens,” he said.
Kefas said his administration had continued to strengthen the judiciary through plans for a new High Court Complex, establishment of an office for the Judicial Service Commission and the introduction and expansion of the e-filing system.
He identified digital economy, road infrastructure, civil service reforms, environment and waste management as other areas where the administration had made progress.
The governor, however, noted that his administration inherited major challenges across many sectors when it assumed office in 2023.
“We met infrastructure deficits. We met gaps in education and healthcare. We met security concerns affecting many communities.
“We met economic difficulties impacting families and young people. These challenges were daunting, but not insurmountable.
“Rather than complain or engage in blame games, we chose the path of action,” he said.
Kefas thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, civil servants, youths, women, development partners, media organisations and residents of the state for their support and cooperation.
