A two-day training program aimed at empowering 537 women and youth from Shira, Yerima, and Sendirde wards in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, kicked off in Mutum Biyu, the local government headquarters.
The program, focused on bar and liquid soap production, is being implemented by Ladun Global Concept Limited, with support from Senator Abubakar Tutare and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

The initiative, designed to enhance self-reliance and community development, provides participants with practical skills that they can apply in both personal and commercial ventures. At the opening ceremony, Alhaji Isa Gunduma, chairman of the event, urged participants to seize the opportunity to learn and practice the skills being taught.
He emphasized that the training could be a transformative experience for their personal growth and the betterment of their communities.

CEO of Ladun Global Concept Limited, Mallum Abuga, reassured participants that the skills acquired during the training would not only improve their livelihoods but would also contribute to the overall development of their local communities.
He urged them to use the knowledge gained to create sustainable opportunities for themselves and others.

A director at the BCDA, Mr. Nesting Ovie, noted that the training would also cover the production of other household items in addition to soap. He stressed that the goal was to make participants self-reliant and empower them to teach others, thereby spreading the benefits of the program even further.

In her address, one of the program facilitators, Mrs. Hauwa Pogumai, encouraged the trainees to apply their skills with integrity and strive for excellence. She commended the participants for their commitment to the training and the organizers for their dedication to community empowerment.

The training underscores the commitment of Senator Abubakar Tutare, the Border Communities Development Agency, and Ladun Global Concept Limited to fostering skill acquisition and economic empowerment in rural communities across Taraba State.

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

A philanthropist and founder of Mecapacynth International Academy in Abuja and Wukari local government area of Taraba State, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente, has urged the descendant of the Kwararafa dynasty and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the community-based Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State to meet its academic mission.

Dr. Kente pleaded with all stakeholders to do everything possible to rescue the university from collapsing.

The philanthropist who made the plea shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree of public service at the 2nd joint convocation ceremony of the university held at the school premises last weekend said the founders of the institution needed to be encouraged to meet up with their aspiration.

“Let us do our best to make Kwararafa University a place to be proud of,” he said.

The business tycoon thanked the University community, especially the Senate for finding him worthy of the award.

Kente, pledged to continue supporting education and the sustenance of the institution, which is one of first Africa community University.

He said he rejected offers of such awards from five major universities across Nigeria to be honored with a doctorate degree, but decided to accept the one from a university founded by his community because the initiative is so dear to him.

“Ask my aides. I have rejected offers from five universities to be honored with a doctorate degree, but I accepted this one because the university is dear to me and the honour is coming directly from my community. I appreciate the honour and I won’t take it for granted

Dr. Kente, a former financial facilitator on education with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said he has helped in facilitating the building of lecture halls and staff quarters in the institution while working with the commission.

“Asides from that I have personally built structures in the University and I have a scholarship program in the University through my foundation, DSK foundation “said.

Kente added, he would continue to deploy his God-given ability of working hard to achieve positive and admirable results in the country’s educational landscape, especially in the Kwararafa University.

He disclosed that the Kwararafa University was conceived by the five local governments in Southern Taraba, but nurtured by only a few people.”

“It was through the collective efforts of some stakeholders, including the staff and students that the university is surviving, I am calling on all the descendants of the great Kwararafa empire and all well meaning Nigerians to help the university attain its vision and projection.”

Apart from Chief Dr. Kente, notable individuals also received awards including Attah Igala, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II who was awarded with doctor of letters and former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr Andrew Yakubu, was awarded doctor of science.///.

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and recovered 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp in its operations within Taraba State.
This was contained in a Press Release signed by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations of the 6 Brigade in Jalingo on Tuesday.

“Following a distress call from the residents of Chanchanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November 2024. Acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.
“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp”.
According to capt. Oni the troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on 9 November 24 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Center.
“During an intensive investigation, the troops arrested the suspects who upon interrogation. admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states”.

The suspects, according to the acting Director Army public Relations the suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu center on 5 November 2024 before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on 6th and 7th November, respectively at Chanchanji village in Takum local government.
“They suspects added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chanchanji, hence he want to ensure that the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers”.
The Release commended the efforts of local residents for their cooperation, encouraging them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations.
Captain Olubodunde Oni stressed that 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within its area of operation.
He therefore advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies in their area///.