By Deji Abdulwahab
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has attributed the agricultural development and massive investments in Taraba to the improved security recorded under the administration of Gov. Agbu Kefas.
Idris stated this in Jalingo on Thursday shortly after Kefas briefed newsmen on his stewardship on the sidelines of activities marking Taraba’s 35th anniversary.
The theme of the anniversary was “Celebrating 35 Years of Unity, Peace and Progress.”
The minister commended Kefas for what he described as giant strides in security, noting that the improved security situation had created an enabling environment for economic activities.
According to Idris, agriculture is booming in Taraba as a result of the conducive atmosphere created by the administration’s security efforts.
He also commended the state government for its investments in the solid minerals sector, saying the development would create opportunities for young people, particularly women.
Idris said the security situation in Taraba had improved considerably compared with the situation before the current administration assumed office.
He recalled that residents had previously been agitated over insecurity, which affected movement and other socio-economic activities across the state.
The minister said the improved security had restored confidence and enabled people to move around the state with greater assurance.
He disclosed that he intended to move around Jalingo at night to personally experience the level of security provided by the state government.
Idris, however, said the state government should continue to consolidate the gains recorded in the security sector rather than become complacent.
He also urged the media to support efforts to tackle fake news and disinformation, which he described as major challenges confronting the country.
The minister called on journalists and other media practitioners to discharge their responsibilities professionally and responsibly.
He stressed that media freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility, especially at a time when political activities were increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Idris urged the media to help the government and society combat misinformation, disinformation and other forms of false information capable of misleading citizens.
He thanked journalists for providing an opportunity for the governor to explain his administration’s achievements and respond to questions from the public.
The minister also commended Kefas for personally standing before journalists and responding to their questions during the briefing.
He said the governor’s decision to stand for about 42 minutes while addressing journalists demonstrated leadership and willingness to listen to the people.
Idris described the briefing as a good example of how press conferences should be conducted, urging other public officials to emulate the approach.
He said his responsibility as Minister of Information went beyond informing Nigerians about government activities to also receiving feedback from citizens.
The minister said he had joined the anniversary committee partly to receive feedback from Taraba and convey relevant issues to President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, Kefas said the Federal Government under President Tinubu had provided his administration with the necessary support and freedom to translate federal policies into projects that improve citizens’ lives.
The governor said his administration had declared free education for pupils in primary and secondary schools as part of measures to expand access to quality education.
He added that the state government had been paying examination fees for students to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Kefas said Taraba had also benefited from improved security cooperation with the Federal Government, noting that the collaboration had contributed significantly to greater stability in the state.
The governor disclosed that several projects had been completed while others were ongoing across Taraba, stressing that the support of the President had contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by his administration.
He said his administration had continued to pay workers’ salaries monthly and implemented the minimum wage as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
Kefas noted that the N30,000 minimum wage was not being implemented when he assumed office, but his administration subsequently took steps to implement it and pursue other policies aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
The governor said Taraba was working in line with the vision of President Tinubu to move the state forward, expressing optimism that the establishment of state police would further strengthen security and accelerate development.(NAN)
Edited by Gabriel Yough