By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Monday unveiled the post Taravest committee as a vehicle to mobilize capital, de-risk private investment and turn Taraba’s comparative advantages into bankable job- creation projects.
Inaugurating the committee at the TY Danjuma Government House in Jalingo, Kefas declared that Taraba was open for business and charged the committee headed by Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu to quick present a 100-Day Action Plan, identifying fast-track projects and quick wins with a consolidated Investment Prospectus for priority sector investment.
The governor said, “TARAVEST will serve as the state’s investment hub to drive agriculture, energy, logistics, education, tourism, and solid minerals into “bankable, job-creating projects.
“Our mandate is simple, convert potential into prosperity. No room for white elephant project, every kobo mobilized must translate into roads, factories, farms, schools, hospitals, and jobs.
“We will work hand-in-hand with our fiscal authorities, regulators, and our independent integrity and monitoring mechanisms to keep this process clean, competitive, and credible.
“To our development partners and investors, Taraba is open for business with clarity of purpose and a predictable, rules-based environment. This initiative aligns with our 2027–2031 mandate of a Better Life for Taraba Citizens.
“Members of the TARAVEST Committee, you carry the trust of this State, and I ask you to serve with integrity, urgency, and courage. The work begins now,” he charged.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Post TARAVEST Summit Committee, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (OON), described his appointment as “a crucial assignment” and thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and the committee members.
Elumelu, who also chaired the main and local organizing committee of TARAVEST 2025, said the May summit placed Taraba on the global stage as “Africa’s New Investment Frontier,” with over 680 investor delegates and 255 delegations, including Heads of State, diplomats, captains of industry, and traditional leaders in attendance.
“With TARAVEST 2025, Taraba boldly showcased her vast opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, and industrialization to the world,” he said.
The chairman revealed that the summit was executed at a conservative cost to the state, with significant financial support from private citizens and friends of the governor. He expressed gratitude to the donors while presenting the summit report to Governor Kefas.
“Experts estimate that TARAVEST 2025 has opened Taraba to over $500 billion in investment opportunities if fully harnessed. It is against this backdrop that we must approach our task with diligence and commitment,” Elumelu said.
He assured the governor and the people of Taraba that the committee would not fail in its mandate: “On behalf of the Post-Summit Committee, I accept this task and pledge that we will not let Taraba State down.”
Our correspondent reports that the PUNCH Correspondent in Taraba, Mr. Justin Tyopuusu who also serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy is among the 13-member post Taraba International Investment (Taravest) summit committee.
