Islamic Summit: Gov. Kefas Preaches Religious Unity, Pledges Inclusive Governance in Taraba
JALINGO — Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has renewed his call for religious unity and inclusive governance, declaring that his administration will continue to treat citizens fairly regardless of their faith, ethnicity or social background.
Kefas spoke on Saturday at the One-Day Summit of Islamic Organisations in Jalingo, which brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders from across Taraba State.
The summit, themed “Celebrating People-Centered Leadership, Good Governance and Development in Taraba State,” provided the governor an opportunity to outline his administration’s position on religious harmony, justice and citizen participation in governance.
Addressing participants, Kefas said Taraba’s religious and ethnic diversity should be regarded as a source of strength rather than division.
«“Muslim or Christian, North or South, tribe or language, we are all Tarabans, and government will never ask your religion before giving you justice,” he said.»
Quoting Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 58 of the Holy Qur’an, the governor described leadership as an Amanah — a sacred trust that must be exercised with justice, fairness and accountability.
He pledged that his administration would not betray the confidence of the people, saying government decisions should ultimately be measured by how they affect ordinary citizens.
According to Kefas, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved security, road infrastructure, agricultural development and greater opportunities for women and youths remain important components of his administration’s development agenda.
The governor also expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of women at the summit, describing their participation as significant to the future development of the state.
“I am particularly encouraged by the large number of women here today. It tells me that the future of Taraba is not being discussed by government alone. Our mothers, our youths, our religious leaders and our communities are all part of that future,” Kefas said.
He urged women, youths and religious leaders to continue contributing ideas, constructive advice and prayers towards building a peaceful and prosperous Taraba.
Kefas maintained that sustainable development would be difficult to achieve without peace and harmonious coexistence among the state’s different religious and ethnic communities.
He therefore called on Islamic scholars and other religious leaders to continue promoting tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, while assuring them that his administration would pursue policies intended to benefit citizens without religious discrimination.
The governor concluded by praying for lasting peace in Taraba State and divine wisdom for its leaders, urging citizens to work collectively towards the development of the state.
