By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) from across the 36 states and the FCT converged on Tuesday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital for a two-day National Media Summit.
The theme of the summit is: “Building Trust and Integrity in the Age of Misinformation.”
The National Media Summit is part of the provisions of the NUJ constitution.
Taraba State is hosting the Union’s National Summit for the first time.
In his welcome address, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), described the summit as more than a ceremonial event, calling it a “marketplace of ideas” where participants will develop practical solutions and produce the Taraba Communiqué, which is expected to outline concrete steps for rebuilding media credibility.
The NUJ President urged journalists to return to their newsrooms after the summit, with renewed commitment to ethical reporting and strategies to strengthen trust with their audiences.
He commended the Taraba State Government for recognising that “an informed society is the cornerstone of good governance.”
Abdullahi reminded participants that while misinformation may appear powerful, truth remains enduring.
“Together let us build a future where Nigerian journalism remains a beacon of trust, accuracy, and integrity.”
He called on the federal government to support road construction efforts in Taraba State, emphasizing that improved infrastructure will accelerate development across the region.
According to him, members of the Union from all parts of the country defied the deplorable roads leading to Taraba to attend the meeting.
He maintained that the summit was brought to the state because of the remarkable improvement in security.
Comrade Yahya lauded the Governor of Taraba State for making the summit a reality.
Speaking, the Taraba State
Commissioner of Information and Re-Orientation, Hon. Zainab Usman Jalingo, pointed out that there will be no effective Democracy without the Media.
“Our administration operates transparent and open door policy.
“We see the Media as partners in progress and our Governor Kefas is concentrating on his reform agenda on peace, security and education.
She urge parties pants to take advantage to enjoy their peaceful stay in the state.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, said that the summit will be a pivotal moment in our optimum desire for a more informed and engaged society.
“As journalists, we are the pillars upon which the edifice of democracy oscillates, and our role as products of coterie in shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable cannot be overstated emphasized.
“We are privileged to have such a distinguished gathering of media professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders in the media industry under one roof.
According to him, the summit provides a unique platform for us to engage in robustg gv discussions, share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen the relationship between the media, government, and the people.
He express his profound gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering commitment to supporting the noble cause of journalism and for his vision for a more open and transparent government.
“Your Excellency, your support has been a beacon of hope for media practitioners in Taraba State and beyond.
He also extend his sincere appreciation to the national leadership of the NUJ for choosing Jalingo as the host city for this important event.
“We are honored to showcase the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of Taraba State.
“As we gather here today, we recognize the critical role the media plays in promoting peace, unity, and development in Nigeria.
“We will be discussing pressing issues affecting the industry, sharing best practices, and exploring opportunities for growth and collaboration.
He assure parties pants that he have put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure that their stay in Jalingo is comfortable and productive.
“We have a packed program that promises to be engaging, informative, and inspiring.
“Once again, welcome to Jalingo, welcome to Taraba State! Let’s make the most of this gathering and work towards a brighter future for our great nation – he concluded.
In a keynote address, Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, said that under no circumstances should journalists face harassment while performing their duties.
He noted that every journalist must be alive to tell the story for societal benefit.
He listed several safety standards for journalists, in line with UNESCO guidelines.
According to him, these include: psychological safety, physical safety, gender safety, digital safety, media safety, and economic safety.
“Any journalist who is not ready to embrace the digital era should prepare himself for oblivion. I urge the Governor of Taraba State to provide every reporter in Taraba with a laptop and a smartphone to enable them to operate effectively.”
“I urge the Governor of Taraba State to provide every reporter in Taraba with a laptop and a smartphone to enable them to operate effectively.”
In his speech, the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, said the National Summit brought to Taraba is not only an honour to the state but also a strategic step toward national development and nation-building.
“Journalists are partners in progress. I therefore call for a stronger and continuous partnership to build a better society. The media plays a critical role in nation-building.”
Governor Kefas urged the NUJ to continue championing the truth, stating that they have a role in shaping positive narratives.
“Let us build collaboration together where the nation can counter misinformation – he added.
[11/19, 6:34 PM] Emmanuel Awari: Governor Kefas presents 2026 Budget Appropriation of N650.6 Billion to the State Assembly
By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has presented the 2026 Budget Appropriation to the House of Assembly to a total amount of Six Hundred and Fifty Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (N650, 631, 700,000)
The 2026 Budget tagged:
“2026 Demonstration, Development we can see”
The Governor reaffirm that Taraba Youths are the greatest strength in 2026, adding that they will not be observers, but rebuilders of roads, school drivers of agriculture under the Taraba Initiative for Farmland and Food Occupational digital inmovators, renewal energy technicians, sports entrepreneurs and leaders with strong values.
Governor Kefas gave the break down of the Budget as follows:
Capital Expenditure N457, 741, 601, 414 (70.36%)
Recurrent Expenditure
N192, 890, 098, 586 (29.64%) while
Project Revenue include, Opening Balance N2.14 billion , Internally generated revenue (IGR) N29.78 billion, Federation account allocation committee (FAAC), Statutory Allocation+VAT N376.16 billion, Aids and Grants N36.32 billion and Capital Development Fund (CDF) Receipts N206.24 billion.
“We will deepen digital revenue system, block leakages and expand revenue stream in agriculture, mining, property, business and tourism.
The Governor mentioned sectoral priorities for the year 2026 to include, Roads and Transport 19.84%, Education and Skills Development 15.98%, Health 6.19%, Agriculture and Food Security 4.83%, Water and Sanitation 3.19% and Security, Emergency and Protection 2.96%.
According to him, Energy and Electrification are new priority sectors.
“Energy is the backbone of development. Our 2026 focus include, Solar mini grids, hybrid rural electrification, street lighting for security, power for schools, hospitals, markets and agro- processing, preparatory works for small hydro power, green – energy jobs for youths.
He pointed out that the execution of the Budget will be through Budget War Room, with weekly monitoring hundred point evaluation metrics geo-tagg verification quarterly citizens scorecards.
“We are eliminating waste from the planing stage, not after money is spent.
He quoted scripture from both the Bible and the Qur’an saying,
“The Bible in Proverbs 14:23 says, In all labour there is profit: Meaning that Honestly brings real results. The Qur’an (53:39) teaches “And that man shall have nothing except what he strives for; Meaning that Progress only comes through effort. While that of African Wisdom says; When you plant the seed and tend it, the harvest will surely come; Meaning, Development is guaranteed when we work together and remain consistent.
“Together, let us continue building a Taraba that works for all – he said.
“If we work sincerely, Taraba will harvest visible development. In 2023, was vision, 2024, laid the foundation, 2025, expansion and 2026 is Demonstration (Development we can see) – he added.
In his response, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, assured the Governor of the House’s readiness to expedite the hearing and passage of the budget to sustain the state’s budget cycle and support ongoing development initiatives.
He commend Governor Abgu Kefas for his free education and security policies in the state. He further commend him for his infrastructural transformation.
“He has renovated many places such as schools, House of Assembly complex amongst others, completion of uncomplicated projects, payment of salaries to civil servants and gratuities to retired civil servants and support to the legislators.
“The Tenth Assembly identify with you, any where you go, we will go with you – he said.
He said that the political exigency has transform the state into a single party system.
“This means that all the Twenty Four members of the assembly are of All Progressive Congress APC. The decision was talking after consultation with our constituents.
“We promise to accelerate the passage of the bill within a shortest time frame for the development of the state – he added.