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TARABA AT 34: Honouring the Founders, Highlighting Unfinished Business

By Kamal Hammajo - August 27th, 2025

Today, August 27, 2025, marks the 34th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State from the defunct Gongola State in 1991. It is a day of both celebration and reflection, celebration of the resilience of the founding fathers who made statehood a reality, and reflection on the developmental challenges that continue to confront the State more than three decades on.

Rt. Captain Abdullahi Jalingo 

FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS

Among the notable figures in the struggle for the creation of Taraba was Captain Abdullahi Jalingo, whose loyalty, commitment, and selflessness were instrumental in securing Taraba State and designating Jalingo as the capital during the administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

Equally important were the senior civil servants inherited from the defunct Gongola State, who became the administrative backbone of the young State. They included Obadia Ando, the pioneer Secretary to the State Government; Gidaɗo Abubakar, Dr. Kobiba; Shehu Muhammad, Bala Adashu Israel, Dr. Shata, Abdu Yaro; D. D. Elisha; Dr. Bitrus; Babale Makidi, Aliyara, Idris Waziri (Gashaka), Danjuma Idris Waziri (Ibbi), and Yakubu Tukura, then Solicitor General.

Others were Alhaji Yunusa Waziri, Garvey Yaweh, D. D. Nyaseh, Yakubu Nuhu, T. T. Danjuma, Dahirat Waziri (Wife to Idris Waziri), Mustapha Liman, Ande Nyang, Mr. Kenamng Andrew, Alhaji Tukur Pate, Inuwa Gassol, Adamu Ibrahim, Alhaji Ibrahim Akawu, Ambuno Zik Sunday, Muhammad Gassol, Barau Banti, Dr. Haruna Ambikeme, and Dr. Muhammad, all of whom provided critical administrative structures for the new State. Mr. Joshua Hassan also championed the establishment of TV Taraba in 1992, with support from Engr. Ahmad Yusuf Gamaliya, then Adviser to Governor Jolly Nyame.

Their sacrifices and vision laid the foundation for governance, public service, and communication in Taraba State.


GOVERNANCE THROUGH THE YEARS

Since 1991, Taraba has been governed by both military administrators and elected leaders, each of whom shaped its political and developmental trajectory. The first Administrator, Air Commander Adeyemi Afolahan, oversaw the initial transition (1991-1992). In 3rd, January 1992, Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame became the first civilian Governor under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), though his tenure was cut short by the 1993 military takeover.

Subsequent military administrators; Group Captain Yohanna Dickson (1993-1996), Colonel Amen Oyakhire (1996-1998), and Colonel Aina Owoniyi (1998-1999), steered the State until the return to democracy.

With the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Jolly T. Nyame returned under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), serving until 2007. He was succeeded by Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, whose administration lasted until 2015, though ill health necessitated the interim leadership of Garba Umar and later Sani Danladi as Acting Governors. In 2015, Darius Dickson Ishaku assumed office, serving for eight years before handing over to the incumbent, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in May 2023.

PROGRESS AND PERSISTENT CHALLENGES

Over the past three decades, Taraba has made notable progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Successive Governments expanded infrastructure, opened new schools, and promoted agriculture as the backbone of the State’s economy. These gains underscore how far the State has come since its creation in 1991.

Yet, despite these achievements, one fundamental challenge remains, LACK OF ACCESS ROADS. From the riverine areas of Karim-Lamido to the mountainous settlements of Sardauna, poor road networks continue to isolate communities, frustrate farmers seeking markets, and stifle economic opportunities. This enduring challenge has slowed development and denied many citizens the full benefits of statehood.

Agbu Kefas - Taraba State Governor 

A CALL TO HONOUR AND ACT

As Taraba celebrates 34 years of existence, the occasion calls not only for pride in past achievements but also for renewed commitment to address lingering challenges. Governor Agbu Kefas must prioritize rural road infrastructure to bridge the gaps that have persisted for decades. Equally important, the State should take deliberate steps to formally recognize and immortalize the contributions of its founding heroes, Captain Abdullahi Jalingo, Obadia Ando, and the pioneering civil servants who laid the administrative foundations.

Honouring the past while tackling present challenges will ensure that the sacrifices of Taraba’s pioneers are remembered and that the State’s future reflects the hopes and aspirations that inspired its creation 34 years ago.



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