Kefas Launches ₦134bn Infrastructure Fund, Visits Fire-Ravaged Wukari Secretariat
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has commenced a major infrastructure drive in the southern part of the state with the flag-off of road and bridge projects worth over ₦134 billion, marking one of the largest public works interventions in the zone in recent years.
The projects, which cut across key economic and security corridors, include the ₦11.7 billion, 12-kilometre Takum–Lissam Road, the ₦37 billion Wukari–Chinkai Road, and an ₦85.9 billion package covering the Takum flyover bridge, a dual carriageway, an interchange, and internal roads within Wukari town.
The initiatives are expected to ease movement, stimulate trade and strengthen security operations across the southern axis of the state.
The Takum–Lissam Road project was formally inaugurated at Lissam in Ussa Local Government Area, drawing senior government officials, legislators, traditional rulers and community representatives from across Taraba and neighbouring states.
Residents described the event as a turning point for an area that has long struggled with poor road access.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kefas said his administration was following a deliberate development pathway anchored on social cohesion, public safety and infrastructure renewal.
“When we came in, Taraba was deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines. A divided people cannot make progress,” the governor said, adding, “We started with unity, then security, and now we are in the phase of infrastructural revolution.”
He explained that the projects were a product of consultations and careful planning, noting that governance, in his view, must be driven by the needs and voices of the people rather than haste.
Providing technical insight, the Commissioner for Works, Moseh Luka, said the Takum–Lissam Road had suffered years of neglect, limiting economic activities and posing security challenges. He expressed optimism that the new construction would significantly reduce travel time and improve monitoring along the corridor.
Representing the construction firm, WE China, Chen Sunny assured stakeholders that the road would be completed before the end of the year, pledging durable workmanship and the execution of corporate social responsibility projects in host communities.
Legislators from the zone also welcomed the development. The member representing Wukari State Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Josiah Angye, said the projects were long overdue and would help rebuild public trust in government.
Similarly, Senator David Jimkuta, who represents Taraba South Senatorial District, said the scale of the intervention underscored the governor’s commitment to balanced development, adding that improved roads would enhance security, commerce and social interaction.
Other goodwill messages came from the member representing Takum, Ussa and Donga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mark Bako Useni, as well as state lawmakers and community leaders, who praised the administration for prioritising people-centred infrastructure.
Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Kefas also visited the Wukari Local Government Area Secretariat following a recent fire outbreak that destroyed parts of the facility.
Guided around the damaged offices by the council chairman, Bala Useni, the governor was informed that at least 17 departments were affected by the incident, which occurred last Friday evening after official working hours.
The governor expressed sympathy with the council and assured officials that the state government would support efforts to rehabilitate the secretariat, stressing the need to ensure that local government services continue without disruption.
