One Year in Office: Gov. Agbu Kefas' Score Card

 

Today, May 29th, 2024, marks exactly one year since Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas assumed office.

The administration introduced what it calls the "five-finger agenda" based on:

1. Security, Peace, and Unity

2. Economy and Job Creation

3. Education

4. Healthcare

5. Women and Youth Empowerment

In this special report, Taraba News seeks to explore the government's progress in achieving these objectives. This publication contains a lot of past Taraba News articles focusing on the realization of the five-finger agenda.

The first aspect of this plan is Economy and Job Creation. Governor Agbu Kefas's government began the quest for a seamless transition into a 21st-century economy. This includes training young people in ICT-related skills, establishing ICT hubs across Taraba State, collaborating with manufacturing firms to establish factories, improving the state's ease of doing business profile, and supporting innovation and massive investment in agriculture and solid minerals.

Notable achievements in this aspect over the past year include prompt payment of salaries, improved remunerations, restoration of gratuities, creating job opportunities in the ICT sector, poverty alleviation programs, and various training and refresher courses.

*Education:*

Under Governor Kefas's leadership, one key achievement is the implementation of free education for primary and secondary levels, reducing the state's out-of-school index and increasing enrollment by over 300%. The government also slashed tertiary tuition by 50%, making it more affordable. Other initiatives include teachers' training, building new schools, reconstructing university hostels, and reaccrediting the state-owned university.

*Healthcare:*

The administration increased doctors' salaries, resumed work at nursing schools and colleges of health technology, and accelerated works at the Ussa General Hospital. Additionally, Taraba State saw the commencement of its first-ever teaching hospital in Wukari.

*Agriculture:*

Key achievements include procuring more tractors, ensuring easy access to fertilizers and pesticides, and setting up a food security committee.

*Roads:*

Major road construction projects are underway, including the Pamaga-Dakka dual carriage, expansion of Wukari-Jalingo road, and completion of the Tsokundi road.

*Investment Drive:*

The government is actively attracting investors from various countries, spanning sectors like solid minerals, education, and electricity.

*Youth Empowerment:*

Governor Kefas's administration has included the largest number of youth in the cabinet in Taraba state's history, implementing deliberate policies for their upliftment and inclusion in governance.

*Women Empowerment:*

The administration recruited the largest number of women into central leadership positions, with women serving as Secretaries in all local governments. Efforts are underway to better serve women through the reinvigorated office of the governor's wife.

*Poverty Alleviation:*

Initiatives include establishing the Kefas Palliatives Market, reconstructing the Danbaba Suntai Airport, and creating job opportunities through infrastructure projects.

*Traditional Institutions:*

Notable achievements include providing medical care and vehicles to royal fathers, renovating palaces, and involving traditional institutions in modern governance.

*Judicial Reforms:*

Enhancements include welfare packages for judicial workers, renovation of judicial offices, and the implementation of e-judiciary.

*Security:*

Efforts have been made to prioritize security, resulting in a relatively peaceful state with reduced cases of banditry and kidnapping. The administration has procured more security vehicles and hosted security summits.

*Environment:*

The establishment of the Ministry of Environment and climate change, tree planting campaigns, and support for reducing carbon emissions are notable initiatives.

*Solid Minerals:*

Efforts to deal with illegal mining and attract legal miners have been initiated.

*Tourism:*

The administration has focused on enhancing tourism potentials, including reviving festivals and planning to build new state-owned hotels.

*Good Governance:*

Efforts to enhance good governance include weekly meetings, improved working conditions, civil service reforms, and the deployment of ICT solutions.

*Local Government Administration:*

The third tier of government has been revitalized, with improvements in service delivery and funding deployment.

Many observers note that Governor Agbu Kefas's one year in office feels like many years, with many believing that the best is yet to come.