From Wole Ayodele in Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on indigenes of the state resident outside the state to collaborate with his administration in his bid to bring all-round development to the people.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with the indigenes resident in Abuja weekend, Kefas noted that the state would develop astronomically despite the daunting economic and security challenges confronting it with adequate support from her diaspora component.
He charged the stakeholders, among whom are a former governor of the state, Rev. Jolly Nyame; minister designate, Uba Maigeri; Senators Haruna Manu and Shuaibu Isa Lau and Danji Usman Shiddi to come up with initiatives that would encourage productivity, peaceful coexistence and guarantee economic prosperity.
He stressed that the state is blessed with abundant human and natural resources required to turn the fortunes of the state around, adding that their input as major stakeholders is crucial to fast-track development of the state.
According to him, “The economic development of Taraba State is a crucial aspect that demands our attention. Taraba holds immense potential from its fertile land to its rich cultural potential.
“So, let us come together and invest in our economic growth through entrepreneurship, investment in key sectors and providing mentorship to the youth. By doing this, we would not only create opportunities for Tarabans but also contribute to the prosperity of our dear state.”
The governor, who used the opportunity to enumerate the policies so far initiated by his administration as well as the actions so far taken, charged the attendees to take action by channelling their resources, knowledge and influence to the course of developing the state.
Earlier in his remark, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Kataps, stated that the importance of the diaspora community in the growth and development of the state cannot be overemphasized.
He informed the gathering that the state government has adopted a participatory approach to governance that encourages dialogue, feedback and ideas from all stakeholders.
According to him, “I am pleased to inform you that His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas has decided to bring everybody on board to contribute their quota to the development of our dear state.
“It is in this regard that he requests the collective efforts of all well placed Tarabans to propel our state to unimaginable height especially in the thematic areas of peace and security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.”
He added that the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investments, fostering transparency and ensuring accountability in all sectors, just as he expressed the readiness of the government to support every initiative geared towards the state’s development.
