By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Taraba state government has reiterated its commitment in developing its Agricultural, Tourism, and Mining sector to generate wealth and provide job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths of the state than depending on oil.
Speaking during the Taraba state special day at the 37th Kaduna international trade fair, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku said Taraba state is bless with both natural and mineral resources as well as fertile land for agriculture, ready to be harness for diversification of the states’ economy.
Governor Ishaku also noted that in its quest for diversification, it will partner the federal government to curb illegal mining activities; develop the tourism sector like the Mambilla Plateau to attract tourist, and it rivers to encourage both dry season farming and fishing.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Haruna Manu, stressed that the state is open to both local and international investors.
“In its policy to rescue the state, we have made a policy to participate in both local and international fair with a view to attract investors. The state is endowed with many minerals and natural resources like barite, limestone, precious stone/medals among others waiting to be harness.
“Having visited some of the pavilions, I have seen much potential. It is high time for us to look inward to develop what we have in our various states; because we have all that it takes to diversify the economy of Nigeria rather than depend on oil,” he said.
Taraba state commissioner of commerce and industry, Iliyasu Mohammed Ajibu in his remarks said the theme of the fair, ‘promoting the solid minerals sector for sustainable economic development in Nigeria’ is in line with the rescue mission of the state to reduce the over dependence on oil revenue due to its dwindling fortunes.
“Many countries have now discovered oil on their lands and countries are developing more environment friendly alternative sources of energy. We therefore, cannot be said to have competitive advantage on this resources any longer. Hence, it necessitated for diversification into more sustainable resources like solid minerals, agriculture and tourism that abound the state.
He added that the state have invigorated an export committee that would harness its abundant resources as well as add value on them to be exported in accordance with the Nigerian export promotion council’ concept, ‘to grow at home, and sell abroad’.
“The organized private sector will be fully mobilized and carried along in the conceptualization of ideas or policies through implementation and evaluation. This is believed to in the long run results in a private sector driven economy with the government restricting itself towards facilitating and creating the enabling environment.”
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, chairman, special day committee, Mailafiya Abu Mada said the fair serves as an avenue to interface with the world, so that the various potential within the states can be showcase to the world and local investors.
