ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- The Governor of Taraba, Dr Agbu Kefas, has restated the state’s readiness to host a maiden International Investment Summit tagged: “Taravest.”
Kefas disclosed this while briefing heads of diplomatic missions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the state government was ready to showcase investment potential that abound in the state.
Taravest with the theme: ”Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potential: Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialisation for Sustainable Development”.
He said the summit would hold in the state capital, in on May 21.
According to him, we will gather in Jalingo for the first time ever summit since the creation of Taraba in 1991.
”Today’s meeting has one simple yet vital focus, to secure your active partnership in showcasing Taraba to the world and mobilising investment to the state.
”I have three clear objectives; to point you to various untapped investments potential, inspire your confidence about our security infrastructure and business environment.
”Lastly, we are seeking your support in rallying investors, technical partners and development agencies from your respective countries to the state.”
The governor added the the event was of importance to the state because it was the capstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the summit was designed to convert federal intervention into tangible projects, job creation and enduring partnerships.
He identified potential for investment in the state to include security, agricultural endowment with not less than 44 sqm of arable land that ideal for cultivation.
He said that the land could also be good for tourism, mining and untapped hydro-energy resources across 161 wards among others.
Earlier, Amb.Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Amb. Anderson Madubike, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment Department, described the summit as apt.
Tuggar said that the investment would be holding at a time the world craved for investment climate.
According to him, there is the need for partnership between governments at all levels, private sector and civil society to bolster sustainable growth.
”This significant drive reflects our collective pursuits of development and prosperity not only for Taraba but the whole world.
”Taraba is an investment destination. The summit is a sign to advance the nation’s vision of actualising economic integration and sustainable development.
”This summit seeks to attract both local and international investors who can bring not only capital, but also innovation and expertise.
”Our presence here is designed to make Taraba a model of investment,” Tuggar said.
Similarly, Maxwell Ranga, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Nigeria, Niger, Benin, São Tomé and Principe, described Taraba as a state divinely blessed.
”It looks like God has blessed Taraba with lots of investment potential and opportunities in advanced agriculture, which is one thing that we are ready to focus on in Africa.
”It is time we mechanised our agriculture and I am glad you are working on it with massive arable land.
”You also have opportunities in energy sector that is paramount to any form of investment,” Ranga said.
The event attracted heads of diplomatic missions, chairman of the TARAVEST main planning committee, Mr Ndudi Elumelu and legislators from the National Assembly. (NAN)
