The ancient town of Jalingo buzzed with renewed optimism as Taraba State hosted the second edition of its flagship investment summit, TARAVEST 2025, under the theme “Unlocking Taraba’s Economic Potentials Through Strategic Partnerships.” The summit attracted an impressive blend of royalty, captains of industry, diplomats, state executives, and global investors—all converging on the Land of Endless Possibilities to explore economic opportunities and foster transformative alliances.

Gov Kefas

From powerful keynote speeches to candid fireside conversations, TARAVEST 2025 became a bold statement of intent by the Agbu Kefas administration—to reposition Taraba as a hub of industrialization, agriculture, tourism, and responsible resource extraction.

A Summit of Ideas and Bold Commitments

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, issued a clarion call for strategic local investment: “The only way to attract foreign investors is by having local investors. Domestic investors are the ones that attract foreign investment.” His words served as both a challenge and an encouragement to indigenous entrepreneurs to lead the charge in building Taraba’s economic base.

Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, a moral compass for the nation, didn’t mince words: “You cannot develop without electricity.” His brief but pointed remark highlighted the foundational importance of infrastructure, particularly power, for any meaningful progress.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Farmer Governor,” compared Taraba to his state, stating: “Kefas, you have no business with poverty. You have all the factors… Taraba is blessed.”

The Ooni of Ife

In a unique blend of wit and wisdom, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), said Taraba many precious natural resources including Sapphire and shared a lighthearted moment: spoke about how he was once in the Mambilla Plateau and he could not believe it was part of Nigeria because of the wonderful clomate,” a nostalgic recollection that drew laughter but emphasized Taraba’s economic connections with the rest of Nigeria. He didn’t stop there—“Don’t just sit on the success stories. What will be the aftermath of this gathering? We talk the talk, let us work the talk.”

Leadership Anchored in Purpose

Responding to the collective momentum of the summit, Governor Agbu Kefas declared Taraba open and ready for investment: “Taraba has huge natural resources, and today I have created an enabling environment for investors. Your business is guaranteed. My business is how to pull you back to Taraba to invest.”

The Waziri Adamawa reinforced the need for regional collaboration, noting, “No Nigerian state has the full capacity to drive growth alone. Building partnerships is critical. This initiative aligns with national goals of diversification.”

Adding a humorous touch, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his typical charismatic style, jokingly told Senator Jimkuta: “You have to manage your weight, you are expanding,” reminding the audience that even serious gatherings can have light moments that humanize our leaders.

A Grateful Taraba: Vote of Thanks from the SGS

One of the major highlights of the day’s proceedings was a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State (SGS), Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Representing Governor Agbu Kefas, the SGS expressed gratitude to attendees for believing in Taraba’s vision:

“Your presence here in Taraba State today is not just a show of support, but a statement of belief in our vision for a prosperous, industrial, and green economy. We thank you immensely for honoring our invitation.”

Chief Kataps reaffirmed Taraba’s readiness for business and challenged stakeholders to see the state through a transformative lens:

“I encouraged our guests to see beyond the hills and valleys; to witness the untapped wealth that lies in our soil, the promise in our people, and the bold leadership steering the ship of the state.”

“With His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas’ commitment to reforms, infrastructure, and security, the enabling environment for sustainable investment is not just a plan – it is a reality in motion. Taraba is ready. Taraba is rising.”

Conclusion: Taraba’s Future is Now

TARAVEST 2025 was more than an event,it was a statement. A statement of readiness, ambition, and unity. From mining to agriculture, from tourism to green energy, Taraba is standing tall among Nigerian states and calling out to investors: “Come, build with us.”
With visionary leadership, a hospitable population, and unmatched natural resources, the future of Taraba is no longer a distant hope,it is a present reality taking shape.

(Abraham Maina Joda)

Jalingo, Taraba State – May 2025