Gov Kefas Commends Sanitation Agency Chairman, Iliya Kefas, Over Cleaner Jalingo, Environmental Stewardship
Taraba News
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has commended the Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas, and personnel of the agency for what the government described as outstanding performance in improving environmental sanitation and the appearance of Jalingo and other parts of the state.
The commendation was conveyed in a letter dated August 24, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps.
In the letter titled “Letter of Commendation for Excellent Service and Environmental Stewardship,” the state government said the visible transformation of Jalingo in recent months had attracted the attention of the governor.
The government specifically highlighted cleaner streets, the clearing of drainage channels, evacuation of illegal dumpsites and beautification of road medians, roundabouts and green spaces.
According to the letter, the interventions have helped give the Taraba State capital what the government described as a renewed sense of order, dignity and civic pride.
Governor Kefas particularly praised the leadership of the sanitation agency chairman, saying his commitment to professionalism, discipline and service delivery had reflected in the activities of personnel working under the agency.
The letter also acknowledged early-morning waste evacuation, public sensitisation, enforcement of sanitation regulations and responses to environmental challenges as some of the areas in which the agency had made an impact.
The commendation comes amid an intensified sanitation campaign across Taraba State.
In July, the agency embarked on the clearing of blocked drainage channels across Jalingo and the headquarters of the state’s 16 local government areas as part of measures to reduce the threat of flooding during the rainy season. The exercise also included clearing vegetation along roadsides and waste evacuation.
Iliya Kefas had said during an inspection of the exercise that Governor Kefas approved funding for the sanitation programme, with workers deployed for street sweeping, drainage clearance and other environmental activities. He also appealed to residents to dispose of refuse at designated collection points and support efforts to maintain cleaner communities.
The agency has also restored the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with the programme scheduled for the last Saturday of every month as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health.
Earlier in the year, the sanitation agency collaborated with the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service on the evacuation of blocked drainages around the Jalingo Main Market, following concerns about environmental conditions affecting traders and other users of the market.
The state government’s commendation also recognised sanitation officers, supervisors, drivers, mobilisers and other support personnel, noting that their work under difficult weather conditions had contributed to the changing appearance of Jalingo.
It linked environmental cleanliness with wider issues of public health, tourism, investment and quality of life, arguing that maintaining cleaner urban centres could improve the wellbeing of residents while strengthening Taraba’s image before visitors and potential investors.
The government urged Iliya Kefas and his team not to relent, saying it expects the agency to build on the progress already recorded.
The commendation comes as the state government further formalises its environmental management structure. Governor Kefas recently approved appointments into the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency, with Iliya Kefas, who had served as Director-General of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, named chairman of the agency.
The administration said the agency is expected to play a central role in keeping Taraba clean and responding to environmental challenges across the state.
The letter concluded with the government expressing appreciation to the sanitation team and congratulating them for what it described as a job excellently done.
