Taraba State At 35: A Cursory Look

By Henry Agbu

Taraba State was created on August 27, 1991, out of the former Gongola State, it marked a new chapter in the political and socio-economic history of the people. The creation of the state was intended, among other things, to bring government closer to the people and accelerate development.

Since then, Taraba has been administered by a succession of military administrators and elected governors. Each administration has contributed, in different ways, to the growth of the state, particularly in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, administration and human development.

Navy Captain Adeyemi Afolahan became the first administrator of Taraba State shortly after its creation in 1991 and served until January 1992. His administration was primarily concerned with establishing the basic structures of the newly created state and ensuring the smooth take-off of government institutions.

As the first administrator, his role was significant because the state had to begin building its own administrative identity after being separated from Gongola State.

Jolly Nyame and the Foundation of Civilian Administration

Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame occupies a special place in the political history of Taraba, having served as the state’s first elected governor. His first tenure lasted from January 1992 to November 1993, while he later returned as governor from 1999 to 2007.

His administration focused on laying foundations for civilian governance and expanding government services. His long second tenure provided continuity for development planning and infrastructure projects.

Nyame’s period in office also contributed to the growth of education, healthcare, roads and other public institutions. His administration’s development philosophy became associated with what researchers describe as the “Taraba Project.”

Following the military takeover of 1993, Taraba was administered by Col. Yohanna Mamman Dickson, Amen Edore Oyakhire and Aina Joseph Owoniyi at different times between 1993 and 1999.

Although their periods in office were relatively short compared with some elected administrations, they played an important role in maintaining government machinery and providing administrative continuity during military rule.

Their contributions should therefore not be viewed only through the number of projects executed, but also through the preservation and development of the institutions of the young state.

Pharmacist Danbaba Danfulani Suntai became governor in 2007 and remained in office until 2015, although his administration was interrupted by the consequences of an aircraft accident in 2012.

His administration continued investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors. Suntai’s tenure was particularly associated with efforts to expand development beyond the state capital and strengthen rural communities.

His administration also inherited the challenge of developing a state with a large landmass and widely dispersed communities. This made roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure important components of the development agenda.

Architect Darius Dickson Ishaku succeeded Suntai in 2015 and governed Taraba until 2023. His administration operated under the “Rescue Mission Agenda,” with emphasis on infrastructure and socio-economic development.

During his eight years in office, the administration pursued projects in roads, education, healthcare, water supply and urban development. His tenure also continued efforts to open up rural areas and connect communities to economic opportunities.

The emphasis on infrastructure was particularly important because agriculture remains a major part of Taraba’s economy, while the state’s geographical size makes transportation and connectivity essential to economic development.

The current phase of Taraba’s political development began with the election of Agbu Kefas (rtd.) in 2023. His administration represents the continuation of the state’s development journey rather than an isolated chapter. The experience accumulated under previous administrations provides the foundation upon which current policies and projects are built.

Looking back at Taraba’s history since 1991, it is clear that development has been a gradual process involving different administrations and political era. Researchers studying the state’s political development identify the establishment of institutions, local government structures, traditional councils and peaceful political transitions as important elements of the state’s evolution.

The contributions of past governors should therefore be assessed beyond political party affiliations. From the first administrator who established the machinery of a new state to subsequent governors who expanded infrastructure and public services, each administration has contributed a piece to the Taraba story.

Thirty-five years after its creation, Taraba State has moved from the challenges of establishing a new state structure to the broader challenge of sustaining development and improving the living standards of its people.

The journey has not been without shortcomings. Issues of infrastructure deficits, unemployment, insecurity, poverty and limited industrialisation remain concerns. Nevertheless, the contributions of successive administrations have helped shape the state’s political and developmental landscape.

The history of Taraba is therefore not the story of one governor or one administration. It is a continuing story of successive leaders, public servants and citizens who have contributed to the building of “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.”

Suffice it to say despite the significant achievements recorded in Taraba State the present Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has change the narratives with his five finger prints that are glaring in the education,agriculture,aviation, road construction,health,tourism and other sectors of the economy.

Without gain saying Taraba State is on the right part a call for all to support his administration to succeed.