By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government has secured investment approval worth $268.63 million (over ₦400 billion) from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to finance major development projects across the state.
The investment, facilitated through the State Ministry of Energy and Economic Development, will drive large-scale initiatives including:
A 10,000-hectare rice farm with irrigation facilities
A 16-tonne per hour Taraba State-branded rice mill of international standard
An industrial park project with agro-processing and logistics clusters
A 50MW solar power plant
Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, Engineer Naomi Tanko Agbu, described the funding as the result of months of rigorous consultations and planning with stakeholders.
She noted that the projects align with the people’s aspirations for development, focusing on security, infrastructure, industrialisation, and investment.
According to her, the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas inherited deep-rooted challenges but has remained committed to delivering transformational projects.
“These projects came with tremendous sacrifices from the Governor, myself, the consultant, and all team members despite resistance from forces who do not wish for the growth of the state,” she said.
Agbu expressed gratitude to Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the EBID Board of Directors, as well as the entire Board and project team for their relentless efforts in ensuring the success of the deal.
She urged the public to participate actively in the process by offering recommendations, constructive criticism, and support.
“The guiding principle of this investment is togetherness,” Agbu added, calling on Tarabans to unite and move the state forward under the leadership of Governor Kefas.
