Get Guardian on GoogleMedical experts, educationists, traditional and religious leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders in Takum local government council of Taraba state have commended the Executive Chairman, Bako Benjamin, for what they described as remarkable achievements in his first year in office.
The stakeholders, who spoke with The Guardian ahead of the chairman’s first anniversary on November 16, 2026, applauded his administration’s interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, security and economic development.
An assessment of the administration’s first-year scorecard by The Guardian indicates that several projects and programmes have been initiated or executed to improve public infrastructure, stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen essential services across the local government area.
Speaking on the administration’s infrastructure drive, some community stakeholders described the construction of the Takum Ultra-Modern Main Market as one of the most outstanding achievements of the Bako-led administration.
The project, which is reportedly 98.5 per cent completed, has already seen 50 shops completed and ready for use.
According to the stakeholders, the market, when fully completed, is expected to transform commercial activities, provide a more conducive business environment for traders and increase the council’s internally generated revenue.
They also commended the administration for embarking on the development of the Takum International Cattle Market, describing the initiative as a strategic investment capable of strengthening livestock trading and expanding the local economy.
In the healthcare sector, medical experts who spoke with The Guardian applauded the chairman for sponsoring the medical bills of more than 43 patients, including those who underwent surgical operations at Riftaku Hospital, Takum.
They further acknowledged the provision of ambulance support to facilitate emergency referrals, particularly for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
The medical professionals described the interventions as significant support for vulnerable residents, noting that access to healthcare remains an important component of community development.
On education, residents from various communities visited by The Guardian commended the council for facilitating the renovation of facilities at Rimi School, Commercial School and Islamiya School, as well as providing furniture to improve the learning environment.
They also highlighted the commencement of fencing work at Commercial Secondary School, describing it as an important step towards improving the safety of students and protecting school infrastructure.
One of the community stakeholders said the interventions demonstrated the administration’s recognition of education as a critical instrument for sustainable development.
The chairman also received commendation from youth leaders over the reported facilitation of more than 1,000 employment and job opportunities across government institutions, private establishments and vocational sectors.
The youth stakeholders described the initiative as a welcome development, saying it would help reduce unemployment, promote self-reliance and create opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Takum.
In the area of security, some security stakeholders praised the council for providing motorcycles and vehicles to strengthen security patrols and improve the operational mobility of security personnel.
They also acknowledged the provision of office accommodation for security agencies, noting that the intervention would enhance operational efficiency, coordination and the maintenance of peace across the local government area.
On water supply and sanitation, stakeholders commended the council for facilitating a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project supported by the Development Bank in Angwan Makpa.
They further highlighted the renovation of boreholes at Kofai Ahmadu and the International Cattle Market along Takum-Wukari Road as part of efforts to improve residents’ access to clean and safe water.
