Ramadan Relief: Taraba Governor Provides Food, Cash to Bali Students

In the spirit of Ramadan, Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of students, providing substantial food and cash assistance to students from Bali Local Government Area enrolled in tertiary institutions across the state.  The initiative, overseen by the Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. James Philip Habu, underscores the governor's broader efforts to address socio-economic challenges faced by Taraba's youth.

The distribution ceremony, held in Jalingo, saw the provision of a generous package of essential food items to the students.  

These included bags of rice and sugar, cartons of spaghetti and macaroni, packs of instant noodles, groundnut oil, and an undisclosed sum of cash.  

This assistance is designed to ease the financial strain on students during the holy month of Ramadan and throughout the academic year.

Hon. Habu, speaking at the event, explained that the gesture originated from food items initially allocated to the State Executive Council by Governor Kefas, before being redirected to provide more targeted support to the students.  He emphasized the governor’s dedication to alleviating the emotional and financial pressures faced by students, stating that the initiative complements the governor’s recent policy of halving tertiary institution tuition fees.

“We understand the challenges students face, not just academically, but also in securing their basic needs,” Habu stated.  “Many parents continue to struggle financially, even with the reduced tuition fees.  These food items, therefore, represent timely and much-needed support.”

The commissioner went on to highlight the governor’s broader commitment to improving the lives of Tarabans, citing investments in education (including free primary and secondary education), healthcare, agriculture, power infrastructure, security, and youth and women empowerment programs.

Student leaders, including Comr. Sani Yahu (President, Bali Students Union, Taraba State University), Albas Joseph (Acting President, Bali Students Association, College of Agriculture Science and Technology), and Isa Maiyaki (Secretary General, Bali Local Government Students Union), expressed profound gratitude to Governor Kefas and Commissioner Habu.  They pledged their continued support for the governor and lauded Habu’s leadership, describing him as a role model for public servants.

Hon. Jerry Tyolanga, a Senior Special Adviser to Governor Kefas on Transportation, further praised the governor’s transformative leadership and expressed confidence in the state’s continued progress under his administration.  The event concluded with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation among the student beneficiaries, reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for education and youth development in Taraba State.