Reading some juvenile objections to the foreign trips of Taraba’s helmsman, Dr Agbu Kefas, leaves me wondering what type of medieval caves some people are still living. For anyone in the 21st century would understand that we now live in a global village: the proverbial environment where no one can be an isolated island. Even the mighty USA understands the place of globalisation in the scheme of things, which is why, for all the talk of America First, the current leadership there appreciates the role of international diplomacy.
Taraba state, practically cut off geographical and remote even within the Nigerian space, can indeed do with some global exposure. The rather youthful and urbane governor of Taraba state, Dr. Agbu Kefas understands this in a way many do not. Himself, a product of international tendencies both in training and professional life, is a global citizen. His forays into the international space are to
1. Open up the state to investors
2. Restore confidence in the leadership in Taraba
3. Co-join the state to the rest of the world
4. Court and cultivate friendship with foreign partners
5. Announce us on the global stage.
As lofty as these ideals are, I have had to go through the pains of hearing things like: the trips are too expensive; the delegations too large; the timing not strategic enough; the frequency too offensive; the gains not so visible in the short run.
I beg to differ. These reasonings are borne out of ignorance, a deep lack of understanding of how bilateral relationships work. Governor Agbu Kefas is a visionary. A man who left the military, returned to his native Taraba, and started a church, eventually joining politics must be seen for who he is: an enigma.
Engrafting Taraba state to the rest of the world should be applauded. We should be happy when Taraba state is making waves in the international space where foreign investment means a lot.
In an age where funds from the Federation Accounts are drying up and local patronage is fading out, we must clap for a man who is seeking new frontiers outside the traditional sources. Governor Kefas is not just a traveler. He is a salesman, marketing the Taraba brand around the world.
His efforts are paying off. The Chinese who once gave up on Taraba state after some disappointing experiences are now taking us seriously. Meeting the calm and impressive Kefas gave them a new image of the state. They saw seriousness and a partner they could do business with.
It was the same impact the Kefas persona made on all his stops: UK, USA, Germany, Finland, South Africa, India, etc.
On all stops, the host country learns of Taraba state with all its potentials in solid minerals, tourism, agriculture, energy, real estate, commerce, manpower, youths, and all the other spheres. They also see beautiful people and delegation from Taraba: politicians, technocrats, and the intelligentsia.
Results
What are we gaining?
1. International exposure (our state now gets a mention in many capitals around the world)
2. Friendship around the world (I was in Israel recently, and someone said “oh Governor Kefas!” I felt pride.)
3. Global connection in businesses, exploration, and investment.
4. Lasting links that will outlive the Kefas administration
5. A partnership for progress.
Emmanuel Bello, a Distinguished Nigerian Journalist is Special Adviser, Media and Communication, to the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas.
