My priority is to secure Tarabans- Governor Kefas

The Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, says he is redoubling efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of every citizen of the state.

Governor Kefas stated this while speaking at a town hall meeting with the people of the Southern Senatorial District in Wukari Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said upon assumption of office, he made a solemn promise to take full responsibility as governor by prioritising the security of lives and property across the state.

According to Kefas, every child must have access to qualitative education, a vision that informed his administration's free education policy, stressing that the initiative has not only guaranteed free schooling but also ensured that no student pays fees for NECO or WAEC examinations, in addition to the reduction of tuition fees in tertiary institutions across the state.

Governor Kefas, however, admitted that he met decayed infrastructure in many schools, describing them as "nothing to write home about," and assured that his administration is already working towards rebuilding and modernising school facilities in the state.

Speaking on workers' welfare, the governor explained that when he assumed office, he was overwhelmed with complaints about the non-payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions.

In response, his administration introduced reforms within the civil service while also confronting the challenge of inadequate office facilities. He noted that since the creation of the state in 1991, there had been no comprehensive master plan for development until his administration took the bold step of producing one, which now serves as a guide for sustainable growth.

While acknowledging that many roads across the state are in dire need of construction and rehabilitation, the governor assured the people that by next month, construction works will commence and empowerment programmes will benefit the Tarabans.

Kefas reiterated his resolve to work diligently and serve the people of Taraba State with sincerity and dedication.

One of the zonal stakeholders and former deputy governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Armayau Dauda, Member of the House of Representatives, Dr Mark Useni, and the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal Majesty Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, all commended the developmental strides of the governor and encouraged him to regularly organise such forums to listen to the needs of his people at the grassroots.