By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Chairman of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Bako Benjamin, says his administration has recorded interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and youth empowerment ahead of his first anniversary in office.
Benjamin is expected to mark his first year in office on November 16, 2026.
A major project highlighted by the administration is the construction of the Takum Ultra-Modern Main Market, which is said to be 98.5 per cent complete.
The council said 50 shops had been completed and were ready for use, adding that the market was expected to boost commercial activities and increase the local government’s internally generated revenue.
In the health sector, the administration said it sponsored the medical bills of more than 43 patients, including those who underwent surgical operations at Riftaku Hospital, Takum.
It also provided ambulance support for emergency referrals to ensure patients received medical attention.
In education, the council facilitated the renovation of facilities at Rimi, Commercial and Islamiya schools.
It also provided furniture and commenced the fencing of Commercial Secondary School.
On youth empowerment, the administration said it facilitated more than 1,000 employment and job opportunities across government institutions, private establishments and vocational sectors.
The council also listed interventions in security, including the provision of motorcycles and vehicles to support patrol operations.
It said office accommodation was provided for security agencies to strengthen their operational capacity in the area.
The development of the Takum International Cattle Market was also listed among the administration’s projects aimed at supporting commercial activities.
In the water sector, the council facilitated a WASH Development Bank-assisted project in Angwan Makpa.
It also renovated boreholes at Kofai Ahmadu and the International Cattle Market along Takum-Wukari Road.
As the chairman approaches his first anniversary, the administration says the projects reflect its efforts to improve public infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and strengthen service delivery.
However, the council’s claims, particularly the reported 1,000 employment opportunities and the market’s completion status, would be better assessed through independent verification and details of the beneficiaries and projects delivered.
