Taraba State Government Hosts Two-Day Workshop to Strengthen Local Government Leadership.
By Raymond Enoch
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has inaugurated a two-day capacity-building workshop for local government council chairmen aimed at enhancing accountability and good governance among local government council officials and stakeholders in the state.
Declaring the workshop open, Dr. Kefas emphasized that the gathering is not only a continuation of last year’s workshop but also an important opportunity for reflection on the challenges and responsibilities of leadership at the local government level.
He described the workshop as a call to duty for all local government leaders to strengthen their commitment to governance, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.
“Government policies and programs must be implemented with the people’s welfare as the priority,” Dr. Kefas stated.
He said that his administration has prioritized inclusive governance through initiatives such as free and compulsory education for all children in the state, and he urged the council chairmen to work diligently to ensure the success of the program in their respective areas.
As part of the initiative to improve education, Dr. Kefas announced plans to rebuild schools statewide, with a dedicated committee to oversee the project. He also detailed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare by establishing active healthcare centers in all wards of the state.
The Governor reminded the council chairmen that leadership is not about accruing wealth, but a solemn responsibility to serve the people. “Leadership at the grassroots level is not a privilege for personal gain but a duty that requires integrity and transparency,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kefas also outlined efforts to enhance state security through local initiatives, including the establishment of the Taraba Marshall and intelligent networks, as well as promoting greater accountability at the local government level.
Addressing traditional rulers, the Governor urged them to uphold their responsibilities as custodians of culture and peace, warning against the indiscriminate sale of lands and stressing the need for careful stewardship of their communities.
Major General Henry Ayamasaowei, Managing Director and CEO of Euclase Resources Limited, the firm facilitating the workshop, provided an overview of the conference. He noted that the workshop would assess the performance of local governments and chart a course for improving service delivery across the state.
He also commended Dr. Kefas for prioritizing capacity building, which he said would help improve public service productivity.
Dame, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, added that the conference would help bridge the governance gap, promoting the adoption of best practices in good governance across Taraba.
This two-day event marks a significant step in Dr. Kefas’ efforts to foster better leadership, transparency, and sustainable development at the grassroots level, signaling a new era of governance in Taraba State.
