By Terna Chikpa
The Federal Government, through the Made in Nigeria Project, has shortlisted 12 qualified volunteers to participate in the first phase of the Taraba Digital Registry Project.
A statement issued by the Taraba State Coordinator of the project, Hon. Justin A. Tyopuusu, disclosed that 43 technology professionals applied to contribute to the initiative.
According to the statement, after a rigorous and transparent screening process, 12 highly qualified volunteers were selected to participate in the project’s first phase.
“The Made in Nigeria Project, Taraba State, is pleased to announce that, following the successful conclusion of the volunteer recruitment process, 12 highly qualified volunteers have been shortlisted to participate in the first phase of the Taraba Digital Registry Project.
“A total of 43 applications were received from technology professionals who expressed interest in contributing to this groundbreaking initiative. After a rigorous and transparent screening exercise, 12 highly qualified volunteers have been shortlisted to participate in the first phase of the project,” the statement said.
Tyopuusu explained that the implementation is being carried out in phases, with experts assigned to specialised responsibilities to ensure efficient delivery and long-term sustainability.
He also disclosed that the Taraba Digital Registry Project is receiving technical support from Leonado LLC, a United States-based technology company led by its Chief Executive Officer, Wannapat Rojwanichakorn of Thailand.
According to him, discussions are at an advanced stage for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Taraba State Government and Leonado LLC to establish a comprehensive digital registry that will showcase Made-in-Taraba products, businesses and investment opportunities to national and international markets.
“These partnerships were facilitated by Joseph Samson, a distinguished son of Taraba State and technology expert with Leonado LLC, who successfully brokered the collaboration at no financial cost to the Taraba State Government. His exceptional patriotism, professional competence and unwavering commitment to the development of his home state deserve the appreciation of all Tarabans. His selfless efforts demonstrate the immense value of the diaspora in driving innovation, investment and sustainable development back home,” the statement added.
The State Coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Project commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Taraba into a competitive economic hub.
According to Tyopuusu, Governor Kefas has consistently demonstrated his determination to position Made-in-Taraba products on the global stage by creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, supporting innovation, promoting industrial development and opening new markets for indigenous businesses.
“The Governor’s commitment to economic diversification and private sector development is laying the foundation for sustainable job creation and wealth generation. Through initiatives such as the Taraba Digital Registry, local entrepreneurs will gain unprecedented visibility, enabling them to showcase their products and services not only across Nigeria but also in international markets. This is a bold step towards building a globally competitive Taraba economy,” he said.
Tyopuusu further noted that, upon completion, the Taraba Digital Registry would become one of the first initiatives of its kind in Nigeria, serving as a comprehensive digital platform connecting producers, investors, buyers and development partners while promoting the identity and competitiveness of Taraba-made products across the world.
He also expressed appreciation to all the technology professionals who applied to volunteer for the project, describing their overwhelming response as a reflection of the growing confidence among young professionals in the state’s digital transformation agenda.
He encouraged those who were not shortlisted to remain committed, assuring them that additional opportunities would arise as subsequent phases of the project commence.
“The Made in Nigeria Project remains committed to collaborating with the Taraba State Government, development partners and the private sector to ensure the successful delivery of the Taraba Digital Registry and to position Taraba as a leading destination for investment, innovation, enterprise development and economic prosperity,” the statement concluded.