JALINGO — Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying sustainable peace requires the active participation of citizens across the state.
The Governor stated this on Monday, September 21, 2026, at an event marking the 2026 International Day of Peace in Jalingo.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Al-Ameen Ibrahim Mohamed, Governor Kefas described security and peace as essential foundations for economic prosperity and sustainable development.
The event was organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) in partnership with the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management at Fast Track Hotel, Jalingo.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the Governor highlighted security and peacebuilding measures undertaken by his administration since assuming office in May 2023.
He said the declaration of 2026 as a year of peace and progress had been backed by policy measures, including a five-year strategic plan focused on early warning systems, conflict prevention and social cohesion.
Governor Kefas also highlighted the establishment of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, describing it as an institutional mechanism for addressing conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He recalled his administration’s interventions in communal conflicts, including efforts to facilitate reconciliation during the Karim Lamido crisis involving the Karimjo and Wurkun communities.
According to him, the administration has also introduced measures aimed at maintaining public order, including executive orders targeting political thuggery and illegal mining.
He further said the government had provided logistical support to security agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Services and civil defence, through vehicles and motorcycles intended to improve operational response.
The Governor also cited the strengthening of the Taraba Marshals, the appointment of security advisers across the 16 local government areas and engagement with traditional and religious leaders as part of efforts to strengthen community security.
He said these measures had contributed to improved security on some major routes in the state, including the Takum-Wukari road.
Governor Kefas commended IAWPA for choosing Taraba as the focal point for the 2026 International Day of Peace commemoration, saying peace was closely connected to investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment.
He urged Tarabans, particularly young people, women and civil society organisations, to reject hate speech and intolerance and promote peaceful coexistence.
«“The observance of this day should not end with ceremonies and speeches. It should renew our commitment to the daily work of building and sustaining peace.”»
Also speaking, Ambassador Emmanuel Nweke, International Spokesperson of IAWPA, said the association selected Taraba for the commemoration because of what he described as the state’s ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
He said the occasion also provided an opportunity to confer the Eminence Peace Award on Governor Kefas and recognise other individuals and institutions for their contributions to peacebuilding.
Nweke announced that Taraba State had been selected as the Northeast headquarters of the association, saying the development would provide opportunities for the state and the region.
The IAWPA International Director, Archbishop Chidi Ohiriodo, commended the Taraba State Government for its peacebuilding initiatives and called for greater unity among Nigerians.
He urged citizens to look beyond ethnic and religious differences and work collectively towards peace and national development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Solomon, who also represented the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, commended IAWPA for partnering with the Bureau to host the event in Taraba.
Bishop Solomon said the establishment of the Bureau represented an institutional approach to conflict management in the state.
He added that the Bureau had developed a five-year strategy document which it was implementing as part of efforts to address violent conflicts.
The State and Northeast Coordinator of IAWPA, Ambassador Mahmud Usman Maulud, Ph.D., commended Governor Kefas for his peacebuilding efforts and expressed optimism that the Bureau would achieve its mandate.
He said Taraba and the Northeast possessed significant diversity, resilience and potential, assuring that IAWPA would continue to support dialogue, mediation and partnerships for peace in the region.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Eminence Peace Award to Governor Kefas, which was received on his behalf by Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Al-Ameen Ibrahim Mohamed.
Other recipients of Peace Ambassador Awards included former Governor Jolly Nyame, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, Hon. Hassan Bappa and Dr. Yusha’u Sallau, among others.
The Northeast Development Commission and the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management also received Institutional Excellence Awards for their contributions to peacebuilding.
The event featured a panel discussion involving Brigadier General Aliyu Farasa (Rtd.), Dr. Yusha’u Sallau and Mr. Shedrach Irmiya Gani.
