Youth-Students Coalition Passes Vote of Confidence in Gov. Kefas, Endorses Him for 2nd Term.
By Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
A Coalition of Youth and Students in Taraba State has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Agbu Kefas and further endorsed him for a second term.
The endorsement was done at a press conference organized by the coalition groups today in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
“As the largest demographic group in Taraba, the youth have watched closely, engaged constructively, and benefited directly from this administration’s policies. We therefore speak with authority and conviction on the impact of the Gov. Kefas-led leadership. One of the boldest steps taken so far is the unprecedented inclusion of young people in governance, with over eighty (80) percent of commissioners and aides being youths. This has not only given our generation a voice in leadership but also provided us with the opportunity to learn governance first-hand, preparing us for greater responsibilities in the near future.
“The Governor’s visionary approach to education further demonstrates his commitment to building the leaders of tomorrow. By introducing free education at the primary and secondary levels, reducing tuition fees across tertiary institutions, and taking responsibility for the payment of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations, His Excellency has removed the financial barriers that for years kept many children out of school. This deliberate investment in education will produce a generation equipped to drive Taraba’s progress. Complementing this is the establishment of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the first of its kind in the state, designed to safeguard youth welfare, amplify our voices, and provide structured avenues for us to participate meaningfully in governance.
“Beyond youth empowerment and education, His Excellency has embarked on transformational initiatives that are steadily rebranding Taraba and positioning it as a serious player in the national and global investment landscape. The facelift of the TY Danjuma Government House in Jalingo has turned the seat of power into a symbol of modern governance, while the remodeling of the TY Danjuma House in Abuja now gives Taraba a dignified presence at the federal level. The ongoing development of a world-class airport further opens our state to tourism, trade, and business opportunities. In the same vein, the highly successful TARAVEST Summit was a landmark event that showcased Taraba’s vast potential and inspired investor confidence that the state is truly open for business.
“Equally important are the administration’s strides in security, workers’ welfare, and healthcare delivery. Communities across the state have witnessed improved safety, giving farmers, traders, and investors greater confidence to pursue their livelihoods. Workers’ welfare has received unprecedented attention, with salaries, pensions, and gratuities being paid promptly.
“In a rare demonstration of commitment, the government has implemented the national minimum wage in full and even doubled it on two occasions, thereby protecting the dignity of labour. In healthcare, deliberate investments in facilities, manpower, and access have improved the delivery of services, saved lives, and reduced the burden on families.
“These achievements go beyond promises; they are measurable, impactful, and directly touch lives. They may not always be as visible as a new road or bridge, but they build the human foundation upon which sustainable infrastructure can thrive. Roads can be constructed within months, but building capable, educated, and empowered citizens requires foresight, patience, and deliberate policy — the very qualities His Excellency has demonstrated in abundance.
“For these reasons, and after wide consultations with youth and student stakeholders across the sixteen local government areas of the state, the Coalition of Youth and Students Groups in Taraba State hereby passes a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas. We also openly endorse him for re-election in 2027, to consolidate the gains already made and to continue his transformative policies aimed at securing the state’s future,” they stated.
They, however, called on all Tarabans; elders, women, traditional rulers, civil society, and all citizens to rally behind this forward-looking administration to build a Taraba that is not only rich in infrastructure but also strong in human capacity, inclusive in governance, and prosperous in every sense.
