By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Taraba Governor – Oct. 06, 2025.
Two years after taking office, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State is under mounting pressure over what many citizens describe as his administration’s slow pace in delivering tangible infrastructure projects.
Though the governor has scored some points in security, education, agriculture and civil service welfare, critics insist that roads, electricity, water supply and healthcare — the core demands of the people — remain largely unattended.
Residents of Jalingo, the state capital, and communities across the 16 local government areas say Kefas’ promises and foreign trips have yet to translate into visible development. Disappointment is mounting, with some even describing his two years in office as “wasted time.”
Last week, however, the governor pushed back, defending his strategy. He argued that Taraba had no development plan since its creation, and even Jalingo lacked a master plan, making serious projects difficult. He disclosed that his administration had now produced a 30-year development plan, setting the stage for what he called “massive projects” from October.
“The best masquerade does not just jump into the arena unprepared,” Kefas said during an interactive session with journalists in Jalingo. “We have laid the foundation, and projects will commence immediately after the rainy season.”
The governor has since embarked on town hall meetings in Wukari, Bali and Jalingo to identify priority needs. Stakeholders demanded roads, electricity, water and healthcare. Kefas promised to address them but pleaded for patience, saying resources are limited.
In what could be his biggest boost yet, Taraba has secured $268.63m (over ₦400bn) from the ECOWAS Bank for agriculture, energy and industrial projects. The funds will finance a 10,000-hectare rice farm, a modern rice mill, an industrial park and a 50-megawatt solar power plant.
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Observers believe the projects, if executed transparently, could transform Taraba’s economy and define Kefas’ legacy.
“I have been blessed by God, and it is now time to work for the people. From October, Tarabans will begin to experience tangible development projects,” the governor assured.
