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Taraba Welcomes Northeast Governors’ forum to Jalingo

By Kamal Hammajo Adam Journalist and Taraba Citizen, Advocate for Northeast Progress | +2347069274878 | August 29th, 2025  Taraba State, fondly called “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” warmly welcomes the Governors of the Northeast to Jalingo for the Northeast Governors’ Forum Meeting holding today and tomorrow. Created in 1991, Taraba is a land of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and vast resources. The State shares boundaries with six States; Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, as well as the Republic of Cameroon, making it a strategic hub for trade, tourism, and investment. A HAVEN OF NATURAL WONDERS As our distinguished guests gather in Jalingo, Taraba proudly invites them to explore some of its unique treasures: • Gashaka-Gumti National Park: Nigeria’s largest national park, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. • Mambilla Plateau: The highest plateau in Nigeria, blessed with cool weather, rolling hills, tea plantations, and dairy farms. ...

GSU VC Unveils Expansion Plans, Engineering Faculty for Kolmani, and Global Partnerships

By Kamal Hammajo, Gombe | August 29, 2025 The newly confirmed Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU), Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, has announced ambitious plans to transform the institution, including the creation of a Faculty of Engineering to provide manpower for the Kolmani Oil and Gas Project, the expansion of agricultural education, and the construction of new lecture halls to accommodate thousands of students. Professor Yauta, whose appointment was recently confirmed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the University is committed to expanding opportunities for young people. “ We are making every effort to expand access for our teeming youth to gain admission and pursue their studies, ” he told journalists. Speaking in his office, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University had secured ₦4 billion for infrastructure projects. “ Out of 18 universities selected, we were fortunate to secure this ₦4 billion, and we will use it to build more large lecture halls ,” he ...

Nigeria Politics In The Last 24 Hours: Power, Reform and Labour Pressures

By Kamal Hammajo | August 28th, 2025 Nigeria’s political scene over the past day has been dominated by three big stories: the ruling APC’s consolidation of power, renewed calls for electoral reform, and fresh tensions with organised labour. Together, they highlight a country already gearing up for the 2027 elections. APC Balances Unity and Democracy The All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to project strength around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Yet, in a careful balancing act, party leaders have insisted the 2027 presidential ticket is still “open” to other aspirants. The message is clear: while Tinubu is the favourite, the party wants to maintain an image of internal democracy. New APC Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has also made it clear he will build on the structures left by Abdullahi Ganduje, signalling continuity rather than upheaval. For now, the ruling party’s priority is stability as it looks to entrench itself further before the next general elections. Jonathan’s Reform...

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; GidaÉ—o Abubakar, Dr...

2027 ELECTIONS: Region, Religion, and the Battle of Parties

By: Kamal Hammajo, Tuesday 26th August, 2025 As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, Nigeria’s political landscape is becoming more defined, yet increasingly complex. The zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential ticket to the South has set the tone for heated debates across the country. While the decision is seen by some as a bold move to reposition the party, it also risks alienating its traditional strongholds in the North. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding power under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as a new force attracting heavyweight politicians, the political contest promises to be one of the most competitive in Nigeria’s democratic history. For the PDP, fielding a Southern candidate may appeal to southern sentiments, but it comes at a cost. The North, which holds the largest voting bloc, may view this as another eight years of exclusion from power. This dynamic is particularly sensitive given t...

THE FORGOTTEN POTENTIAL OF ALMAJIRI: A call for reform in the northeast

By: Kamal Hammajo For decades, the Almajiri system has remained one of the most debated issues in Northern Nigeria. What began centuries ago as a noble Islamic learning structure under the Sokoto Caliphate, supported by State funding, has over time deteriorated into what many now call the “Almajiri menace.” Today, the sight of children roaming the streets in torn clothes, bowls in hand, begging for survival, raises deep social, economic, and religious concerns. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Almajiri system is not inherently a problem. In the pre-colonial era, Sangaya Schools, the original Islamic learning Centers, were well funded by the Sokoto Caliphate founded by Usman Danfodiyo. Students, known as Almajirai, received free education, food, and shelter through State support and community contributions. They were also trained in farming and basic skills to sustain themselves. During the rainy season, students farmed collectively to secure food for the year. However, colonial rule disrupted...

CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVALS: Harnessing Cultural and Sports Festivals for Peace, Unity and Development in Taraba State

By: Kamal Hammajo Cultural festivals and sporting events have long been powerful platforms for fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among citizens. In diverse states like Taraba, where multiple ethnic groups coexist, these activities provide opportunities for people to come together, share traditions, and celebrate common values. They bridge cultural divides, encourage dialogue, and promote mutual respect, essential elements for a stable and harmonious society. ENGAGING YOUTH AND PROMOTING TOURISM Sports, in particular, offer a constructive outlet for youth energy, reducing the risks of crime, drug abuse, and social unrest. By engaging young people in structured sporting activities, the State can nurture talent, instill discipline, and build teamwork skills. When properly organized, sporting festivals attract visitors from other states and beyond Nigeria’s borders. This influx boosts local hospitality, transportation, trade, and entertainment industries. Vendors, artisans, and service...