21st September 2025
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Sunday announced the commencement of a statewide listening tour to engage directly with communities and identify their development priorities ahead of massive infrastructural projects set to begin in October.
Speaking at the interactive session with journalists at the Exco Chambers in Jalingo on Sunday, the governor explained that the initiative is rooted in his belief that genuine development must reflect the needs and aspirations of the people rather than top-down decisions.
“I am visiting the masters that I am here to serve and listen to. By October, we will embark on full-scale infrastructural development across the state, but the people need to tell us what their priorities are. That is the only way to deliver projects that are genuine and meet the needs of communities,” Kefas said.
The governor noted that he inherited a state without a master plan, stressing that “Genuine development cannot take place without a roadmap or plan of action.”
On security, Kefas disclosed that his administration has been investing heavily to keep Taraba safe for residents and attract investors. He described security as a “non-negotiable foundation” for sustainable development.
The governor also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the revival of primary healthcare centres across the state.
He revealed that new medical equipment and drugs have been procured, while a CT scan machine is expected soon for installation at the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo.
In addition, Kefas said his government has been committed to completing abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration. According to him, significant progress has been recorded at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Abattoir, and the Palliative Market, among others.
The listening tour, he added, would provide a platform for residents to guide government decisions on infrastructure, ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in governance.
Taraba State, located in Nigeria’s North-East, faces developmental challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure to poor road connectivity, underfunded healthcare, and limited industrial activity. Despite its vast agricultural and mineral resources, the state has struggled to attract major investments, partly due to insecurity and lack of coordinated development planning.
Kefas has sought to change this narrative by focusing on security, healthcare reforms, and infrastructural development. His decision to embark on a statewide listening tour reflects efforts to build trust and involve citizens directly in decision-making.
The governor’s pledge to complete abandoned projects inherited from past administrations is also seen as an attempt to address long-standing public frustration over wasteful spending and stalled initiatives.
With his planned infrastructural drive slated to begin in October, the listening tour is expected to shape a new development roadmap that aligns with the needs of Taraba residents.
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