By Femi Bolaji, Jalingo

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commissioned a renovated and fully equipped 60-bed ward at Zing General Hospital and officially handed it over to the Taraba State Government.

During its tour of completed projects across the state, the Commission also delivered three two-bedroom staff quarters to the government.

Speaking on Friday, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, who commissioned the projects, commended NEDC for supporting state governments in the region. He said the initiatives would not only improve health outcomes but also provide a conducive environment for patients and healthcare workers.

NEDC Managing Director Mohammed Alkali added that the Commission had fenced the hospital’s staff quarters, constructed three boreholes, and installed solar lighting at the facility.

The delegation also commissioned a newly constructed building for the Institute of Entrepreneurship at Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo. The complex, built entirely by the Commission, features 14 offices, a conference hall, an archive, and two waiting rooms. Maigari urged students to acquire practical skills at the center to become employers of labour, stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through such projects.

During a courtesy visit to the government house, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas said his administration would continue to partner with NEDC to drive meaningful development across the state. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Jeji Williams, the governor expressed gratitude for the Commission’s interventions and noted that further support is needed in road and bridge construction.

The Federal Government delegation later inspected ongoing reconstruction work at Namnai Bridge, which collapsed over a year ago due to torrential rainfall. The nine-span, 180-meter bridge, including a two-kilometer approach road, began construction last month and is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.