Nigeria @ 66: Gov Kefas okays N2.5b for vulnerable households, youths, crisis-affected communities

The Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, has approved the sum of 2.5 billion naira to support vulnerable households, young people and crisis-affected communities in the state.

In his Independence Day broadcast in Jalingo, the state capital, the governor said the money was meant for poverty relief, youth empowerment, crisis recovery, grassroots development, teachers’ welfare and electricity.

“This package comprises N500 million for Taraba Cares, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme running from October 2026 to March 2027; an additional N1billion for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency and, N1billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected parts of the state,” he said.

He said, “The programme will give priority to households facing severe hardship, including widows with dependants, older persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable families.”

He directed that, “The Taraba State Youth Development Agency is also required to publish its programme, selection criteria and application process, and report publicly on the skills, livelihoods, enterprises and opportunities supported by the additional N1billion.

“Implementation of the separate N1billion crisis-recovery intervention will be guided by verified need and will prioritise the most severely affected families and communities. All expenditure is to be publicly accounted for.”

The governor further reassured retired public servants that their ongoing pension payments would continue.

“You served Taraba, and your years of service deserve respect and dignity. Your welfare remains a priority, and we will continue working to meet our obligations to you,” he said.