2027: Youths, Women Urge Gov Kefas To Seek Re-Election

A coalition of youth, student, and women groups in Taraba State has endorsed Governor Agbu Kefas for a second term in 2027, citing his "transformative policies" in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and workers' welfare as reasons he deserves continuity.

Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo, leaders of the Coalition of Youth and Students Groups in Taraba State said the Kefas administration had demonstrated uncommon vision by balancing immediate development needs with long-term investments in human capital and institutional reforms.

The press conference was jointly addressed by Shedrach Irimiya Gani Tsoken of Taraba Tracker for Good Governance, Gabriel Anigya Meshack, President of the National Union of Taraba State Students (NUTASS), and Jamila Mohammed of the Taraba Women Movement.

The coalition noted that while public conversations had focused largely on infrastructure such as roads and bridges, Governor Kefas had quietly laid "a solid foundation" by prioritizing education, youth development, and governance reforms.

They highlighted the free education policy at the primary and secondary school levels, reduction of tuition fees in tertiary institutions, and government's assumption of responsibility for WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB fees as landmark interventions that had removed financial barriers to learning.

According to the groups, the establishment of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency further confirmed the governor's commitment to empowering young people and giving them a structured platform to participate in governance. They also praised what they described as "unprecedented inclusion of youths in leadership," with over 80 percent of commissioners and aides in the state government drawn from younger demographics.

Beyond education and empowerment, the coalition listed the facelift of the TY Danjuma Government House in Jalingo, remodeling of the TY Danjuma House in Abuja, the development of a world-class airport, and the successful hosting of the TARAVEST Investment Summit as achievements that have repositioned Taraba as a serious player in the national investment landscape.

On workers' welfare, the groups commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as the implementation of the national minimum wage, which they noted had been doubled on two occasions to protect the dignity of labour. They further pointed to investments in healthcare and improvements in security across the state as evidence of progress that directly impacts citizens' lives.

"These achievements go beyond promises; they are measurable, impactful, and directly touch lives. They may not always be as visible as a new road or bridge, but they build the human foundation upon which sustainable infrastructure can thrive," the coalition said in its statement.

After wide consultations with youth and student stakeholders across the state's 16 local government areas, the coalition declared a vote of confidence in Governor Kefas and formally endorsed him to seek re-election in 2027.

"We call on all Tarabans, elders, women, traditional rulers, civil society, and indeed all citizens to rally behind this forward-looking administration. Together, let us build a Taraba that is not only rich in infrastructure but also strong in human capacity, inclusive in governance, and prosperous in every sense," the statement added.