By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Monday inaugurated the Post-TARAVEST Committee to roll out an investment drive for the state.
Speaking at the TY Danjuma Government House in Jalingo, the governor described the move as a strategic vehicle to mobilise capital, de-risk private investment, and translate Taraba’s comparative advantages into bankable, job-creating projects.
Kefas declared Taraba “open for business” and charged the committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, to immediately roll out a 100-Day Action Plan with fast-track projects, quick wins, and a consolidated investment prospectus for priority sectors.
“TARAVEST will serve as the state’s investment hub to drive agriculture, energy, logistics, education, tourism, and solid minerals into bankable, job-creating projects,” the governor said.
“Our mandate is simple: convert potential into prosperity. No room for white-elephant projects. Every kobo mobilised must translate into roads, factories, farms, schools, hospitals, and jobs. We will work hand-in-hand with regulators and independent monitoring mechanisms to keep this process clean, competitive, and credible,” he added.
The governor assured development partners, investors, and financial institutions of a transparent and rules-based environment, noting that the initiative aligns with his 2027–2031 vision of “A Better Life for Taraba Citizens.”
“The work begins now. I urge you to serve with integrity, urgency, and courage,” he emphasized.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, who also chaired the main and local organizing committees of TARAVEST 2025, said the summit had successfully placed Taraba on the global map as “Africa’s New Investment Frontier.”
According to him, the May summit attracted over 680 investor delegates and 255 delegations—including Heads of State, diplomats, industry leaders, and traditional rulers.
Elumelu noted that the event was organized at a conservative cost to the state, with substantial financial support from private citizens and friends of the governor.
“With TARAVEST 2025, Taraba boldly showcased its vast opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, and industrialization to the world. Experts estimate that the summit has opened the state to more than $500 billion in potential investments, provided the gains are fully harnessed,” he said.
Presenting the summit report to the governor, Elumelu pledged that the Post-Summit Committee would pursue its task with diligence and commitment. “On behalf of the Committee, I accept this mandate and assure His Excellency and the people of Taraba that we will not let the state down,” he added.
Periscope Nigeria reports that PUNCH correspondent in Taraba, Mr. Justin Tyopuusu, who also serves as Special Adviser to Governor Kefas on Digital Economy, is among the 13 members of the TARAVEST Committee.
