President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared open the 2025 Taraba State International Investment Summit, held at the Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Hall in the Taraba State Government House.
Represented by Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the President congratulated the Governor and people of Taraba State for taking a bold step toward harnessing the state’s vast mineral resources for industrialisation.
He noted that the growing population presents a potential demographic dividend if well managed—or a colossal disaster if mishandled. He urged the state government to leverage its abundant mineral resources to transform Taraba into a hub of industrial activity for the benefit of its people.
The summit attracted dignitaries from across the globe, including a representative of the President of Ghana, prominent business figures such as Aliko Dangote, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional and religious leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto and Bishop Ignatius Kaigama.
Also in attendance were former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Deputy Governors of Gombe, Adamawa, and Bauchi States.
Welcoming guests to the state, Taraba State Governor Dr. Kefas Agbu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to industrialising the state to drive job creation, generate revenue, and improve infrastructure for the welfare of the people.
Shortly after the event in a side interview following the summit, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau,Ph.D,who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,CON,Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, stressed the need for practical investment as a driver of meaningful development in Taraba.
Dr. Jatau emphasised the relevance of the summit’s theme in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding socioeconomic challenges. Drawing insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, he lamented the inefficiency of overstaffed government institutions, observing that sustainable job creation can only come from strong private sector investment.
“Government MDAs are over-bloated. Many are socially employed rather than economically engaged,” he said. “Only investment and investors can offer a meaningful solution.”
He praised Taraba’s natural and human resource potential, particularly in tourism and tea production—industries that significantly boost Kenya’s economy. “Taraba has water, land, and people—everything needed for real development,” he said. “With a landmass 74 times that of Singapore, the state is well-positioned for economic transformation.”
Dr. Jatau called on the people of Taraba to take proactive steps in utilising their resources. “Development awaits Taraba. Dip your buckets where you are—do not wait for anybody,” he urged.
He prayed for the successful implementation of the summit’s resolutions, saying, “May Allah make it easy for them.”
The large turnout and high calibre of participants at the summit underscored the commitment of the Taraba State Government to transforming the state’s economic landscape.
Dr. Jatau was accompanied by the Gombe State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu,mni.
Jack Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
