Kefas Presents N2.5bn Intervention, Meets Artisanal Miners

JALINGO — Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has presented intervention funds totalling N2.5 billion to support vulnerable households, empower young people and provide relief to communities affected by crises across the state.

The presentation took place in Jalingo, where N500 million was allocated to Taraba CARES, N1 billion to the Taraba State Youth Development Agency (TYDA), and another N1 billion for relief operations in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected communities.

Kefas charged the committees responsible for managing the funds to ensure that the resources reached the intended beneficiaries, stressing the need for transparency, accountability and prudent utilisation.

The governor later met with artisanal miners and other stakeholders in the mining sector in Jalingo to discuss challenges affecting mining communities and promote responsible economic activity.

The meeting brought together government officials, miners’ associations, community representatives and other stakeholders to exchange views on the challenges confronting artisanal and small-scale mining in the state.

Kefas said mining remained an important source of livelihood for many families but warned that its benefits must not come at the expense of human lives, public safety or environmental protection.

He directed relevant government agencies to work with miners and host communities to develop practical measures that would promote lawful operations, improve safety standards and strengthen cooperation within the sector.

The governor also announced plans to establish the Taraba Responsible Artisanal Mining and Community Health Standards to guide mining activities, protect residents and promote healthier relationships between mining operators and host communities.