Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has approved the release of N500 million for youth start-up support as part of efforts to address unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the state.
Kefas announced the initiative on Friday during a statewide broadcast in Jalingo to commemorate his third anniversary in office.
According to the governor, the empowerment programme is expected to commence in June 2026 and forms part of broader reforms aimed at youth inclusion, infrastructure development and economic expansion.
“Our administration strongly believes that the future of Taraba State depends largely on the empowerment and development of young people,” Kefas said.
The governor explained that his administration had also established biometric data-capturing facilities to create a reliable database for youth development planning and future empowerment initiatives.
“Presently, 296 youths have successfully registered under the programme, and the government has approved the release of Five Hundred Million Naira for starter packs, scheduled to commence in June 2026,” he stated.
Kefas further disclosed that the state government created the Youth Development Agency and the Sports Commission as separate entities to ensure focused attention on youth and sports development.
The governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, revealing that the proposed Ibi Bridge across the River Benue was currently receiving attention from the Federal Government.
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He added that feasibility studies were underway for additional bridge projects along the Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors.
“These projects are expected to improve connectivity, enhance trade, and stimulate economic activities across the State,” he said.
Kefas noted that several road construction projects were also ongoing, including the Mararaba-Biassa Abong Road, Takum-Lissam Road, Wukari-Kente-Chinkai Road and township roads in Jalingo and Wukari.
On education, the governor recalled that his administration declared a state of emergency in the sector shortly after assuming office in 2023.
“One of the earliest decisions of this administration was the declaration of a state of emergency in education.
We took deliberate steps to expand access to free and compulsory basic education, improve learning environments and restore confidence in the future of our children,” he said.
Speaking on healthcare, Kefas stated that his administration had upgraded hospitals and improved access to medical services across the state through infrastructure development and the provision of modern equipment.