Taraba Reporters

Who Has the Strongest Presidential Ticket for 2027?

A- Atiku/Ameachi
B- Tinubu/Shettima
C- Obi/Kwankwaso

Good morning Taraba, from Fikyu, Ussa Local Government Area, Taraba State?

Fikyu is one of the oldest settlements and wards in Ussa Local Government Area. It is predominantly inhabited by the Kuteb people, one of the major ethnic groups in southern Taraba State. Fikyu is recognized as one of the traditional clans and districts that make up Ussa.

According to Kuteb oral traditions, the ancestors of the Kuteb people settled in various hill communities across present-day Takum and Ussa. Historical studies indicate that Fikyu was among the ancient Kuteb settlements and was originally associated with Uskugk Hill, where early inhabitants established defensive settlements before later moving to more accessible locations.

The history of Fikyu is closely connected to the broader history of the Kuteb people. Traditional accounts state that the Kuteb nation descended from a common ancestor known as Kuteb, whose descendants spread across different areas that later became clans and communities in present-day Takum and Ussa. Fikyu emerged as one of these important communities and developed its own traditional leadership and cultural institutions.

Before colonial rule, the people of Fikyu were mainly engaged in:

• Fishing
• Farming (Yam, Rice, Guinea corn, Millet, and other crops)
• Hunting
• Blacksmithing
• Pottery and local crafts
• Fruit farming ( Plantain, Banana, Mango, Cashew, Peas, Orange and others

In 1996, when Ussa Local Government Area was created out of Takum Local Government Area, Fikyu became one of the recognized wards and administrative units of the new local government, with headquarters at Lissam. Today, Fikyu remains an important cultural and political community within Ussa.

Cultural Significance
Fikyu shares in the rich Kuteb cultural heritage, including:

Traditional dances and music
Respect for clan and lineage systems
Participation in Kuteb festivals such as the Kuchecheb Festival
Strong community and family structures passed down through generations.

Fikyu is an ancient Kuteb community in Ussa LGA with roots tracing back to early Kuteb settlements on the hills of southern Taraba. Historically known for farming, hunting, and strong traditional institutions, it remains one of the key wards and cultural centers of Ussa today.

Aside from its famous tea plantation, the Mambilla Plateau has become a major hub for tomato production. Tomatoes are indeed the new crude oil of Sardauna Local Government Area. During this season, especially this month, farmers load no fewer than 20 buses of tomatoes daily as buyers arrive from different parts of the country to purchase the produce.

The Federal Government has suspended its proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), pending wider consultations with stakeholders.

Governor Agbu Kefas has paid for WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations for three consecutive years for all SS 3 students in all secondary schools of Taraba state. He also Subsidized tertiary institution registration fees. These are achievements that any government at any level can boast of. Kudos to His Excellency.

If you were asked to make a suggestion on education in Taraba State, what would your suggestion be?

upward review of NECO registration to 50,000 Naira per candidate effective from 2027.

Remembering Late president Buhari on Taraba's biggest asset:

On the 26th March, 1985. Former head of state, General Muhammad Buhari planted one of the first tea seed at the kakara tea estate, sardauna LGA, Taraba state which produces the highland tea.

The tea plantation is one of the largest in Africa.

The first tea planted is still in the tea farm.