Brig. Gen. Faransa Bags Award of Selfless Service, Warns Against Environmental Degradation.
By Christiana Babayo.
The Executive Chairman of the Taraba Internal Revenue Service and head of the Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd), has once again raised alarm over the devastating impact of deforestation across Taraba State.
Speaking on Saturday in Jalingo at the Camp View Event Centre, where he was honoured with a grand merit award by the Muri Initiative for Development, the retired General called for stricter measures to address the growing environmental degradation in the state.
“Since assuming this office, I have traversed the entire state and witnessed firsthand the extent of the destruction to our forests and environment due to deforestation. People come in, cut down our trees, mine indiscriminately, and leave us with the consequences, yet we remain silent,” he lamented.
Faransa stressed that if urgent action is not taken, the long-term effects will be felt by all.
He urged residents to embrace tree planting and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to protect the ecosystem.
While expressing appreciation for the recognition, Faransa praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his progressive leadership, which he said is driving the state toward meaningful development.
He also commended the Muri Initiative for the honour, noting that although his task is challenging, moments of appreciation like this serve as a source of strength and motivation.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Provost of the College of Education Zing, Prof. Ejika Sambo, welcomed guests to the ceremony and described Faransa as a sincere leader whose passion lies in helping others succeed.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages congratulated the honouree, commending his service and urging him to remain steadfast in his duties. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” one of the guests remarked.
The award ceremony, which was the first of its kind by the organization, drew a large crowd, including top government officials, commissioners, associates, and well-wishers who came to celebrate the General’s accomplishments.
