Hon. Habu Philip, Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation. In this interview with our correspondent Terna Chikpa, the Commissioner sheds light on the transformative initiatives of Governor Agbu Kefas aimed at ending poverty in Taraba by 2027.
He also speaks on the state government commitment to sustainable development, economic empowerment, and making Taraba a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Could you briefly tell us about your mandate as the Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation?
Thank you very much. Let me introduce myself: I am Honourable Habu James Philip, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation in Taraba State, and I hail from Bali Local Government Area. As Commissioner, my mandate is to identify vulnerable groups; the less privileged and the poor and work towards alleviating or eradicating their hardships. We aim to improve their livelihood through collaborations with various stakeholders.
Thank you, sir. In your estimation, how well has this mandate been executed so far in Taraba State?
When we started, it was a challenging mandate, considering Taraba has a population of about 4 million, with the majority facing extreme poverty. Statistics show that around 80% of the population lives in poverty. Poverty affects various areas such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and access to electricity. Upon taking office, His Excellency Governor Agbu Kefas took immediate action by declaring free education and reducing higher education fees by half, which greatly helped reduce financial burdens. Additionally, he focused on agriculture, distributing new farm implements to cooperative farmers. This move has significantly impacted poverty reduction. By 2027, I believe we’ll see tangible improvements. The government is constructing roads to facilitate access to local markets, ensuring farmers can transport their products easily. Through the Ministry of Rural Development, road rehabilitation has been prioritised. For example, tractors were recently distributed to cooperative farmers, courtesy of the North East Development Commission. We’ve also offered financial support through social grant transfers, providing 50,000 to 100,000 naira to youths aged 18 to 45. These are concrete steps toward eradicating poverty in Taraba.
That’s impressive. You mentioned a recent trip to China. Can you share how that experience benefits Taraba State and possibly the North in general?
My trip to China was incredibly enlightening. We studied China’s poverty eradication strategies, which primarily involved agriculture and e-commerce. China transformed its rural areas by modernizing agriculture, building infrastructure, and encouraging e-commerce. This is achievable in Taraba as well, considering our vast arable land. With the Governor’s commitment to introducing advanced farming equipment and techniques, I believe Taraba is on the right track.
Poverty remains a significant issue in Nigeria, especially in the North. What specific challenges does Taraba face in this fight, and how are you addressing them?
One of the major challenges we’ve faced in Taraba has been a lack of leadership focused on poverty alleviation. But this administration has taken steps to improve education, infrastructure, and healthcare, and has made advanced agricultural tools accessible. Addressing these gaps is essential, as they contribute to poverty. The Governor’s initiatives in these areas are visible across the state, and we’re already seeing positive impacts.
Cooperative societies are essential for economic empowerment. What programmes do you have to strengthen cooperatives in Taraba?
Before, many people viewed cooperatives only as government intervention platforms. We’ve educated them on how cooperatives can be self-sustaining and financially strong. Our ministry has been actively training and guiding cooperative societies on best practices, and our directors regular few years in terms of poverty alleviation and economic development in Taraba State?
By 2027 and beyond, poverty in Taraba State will be significantly reduced. When people have access to good food, decent housing, healthcare, and quality education, that’s the foundation for a prosperous life. Governor Kefas has taken significant steps to move Taraba out of poverty. Mark my words—Taraba will be a state that offers support to others, instead of needing assistance.
That’s an ambitious vision. As one of Governor Kefas’s trusted allies, how would you describe him?
Governor Kefas is a true “bulldozer.” He’s a “talk and do” leader with a profound sense of humanity. He has nearly eliminated opposition in Taraba and created an environment of unity. He doesn’t want to see any child struggling to get to school or going hungry. He is dedicated to ensuring that parents who served the government receive their deserved gratuities, and he’s committed to providing affordable education to all. To me, he’s a transformative leader, and I consider him a savior for Taraba State.
