Taraba Govt Unveils N500m Youth Empowerment Scheme

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has announced a N500 million youth empowerment funding, judicial reforms and plans for 14 special development areas.

In a broadcast to mark the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Kefas said the government was entering a new phase that is focused on economic expansion, infrastructure renewal, security strengthening and improved service delivery across the state.

The governor also announced that, about 296 youths had already been captured under the state’s empowerment programme, just as the state government had approved the release of N500 million as starter packs scheduled for disbursement from June 2026.

Governor Kefas mentioned Mararaba–Biassa Abong, Takum–Lissam, Wukari–Kente–Chinkai and Yerima–Gassol roads, alongside township road projects in Jalingo and Wukari, as some of the critical road projects embarked upon across the state to ease the movement of the people.

He disclosed that, the proposed Ibi Bridge across River Benue was already receiving Federal Government attention, while feasibility studies had commenced for additional bridge projects linking communities across Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors.

The governor further announced plans to remodel motor parks and to establish modern trailer parks as well to construct standard markets across the 16 local government areas as part of efforts to modernise transportation and commerce.

In the education sector, Governor Kefas said his administration sustained its state of emergency on education through free and compulsory basic education, rehabilitation of schools and reforms in tertiary institutions, particularly Taraba State University.

He also said, the ongoing healthcare projects, including the renovation of the State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo, upgrading of Donga First Referral Hospital to a General Hospital, remodeling of General Hospital Bali and procurement of a CT-Scan machine.

Governor Kefas further disclosed that government would establish 14 Special Development Areas beginning from 2027 to deepen grassroots governance, improve security coordination and accelerate development in underserved communities.