Taraba Governor Takes Major Step to Boost Sugar Industry
In a significant move to transform agriculture in Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas has officially approved the creation of a 23-member Joint Technical Committee dedicated to advancing sugar development initiatives across the state. The announcement came through a statement released on Friday by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Yusuf Sanda, marking a pivotal moment for the state's agricultural sector.
Committee Composition and Key Mandates
The newly formed committee will be led by Chairman Jethro Yakubu Zikyengyu, while Abel Bako Joachim from the Ministry of Agriculture will serve as Secretary. The diverse committee brings together representatives from crucial government agencies, private sector stakeholders, farmers' associations, community leaders, and traditional rulers, ensuring comprehensive representation of all interested parties.
According to the official release, the committee has been assigned several critical responsibilities including promoting and facilitating the growth of the sugar industry, engaging stakeholders across relevant sectors, and developing a comprehensive sugar development plan for Taraba State. Additional mandates include identifying suitable locations for sugar processing facilities and mobilizing essential resources, funding, and technical expertise to support sustainable sugar production.
Tight Timeline and Political Context
The committee faces a tight deadline, with only three months to submit its comprehensive report and recommendations to the state government. Dr. Jeji Williams, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, will coordinate all committee activities to ensure efficient progress toward the set objectives.
Governor Kefas emphasized that this initiative directly aligns with his administration's broader commitment to agricultural development, job creation, and industrial growth throughout Taraba State. The timing of this agricultural development comes amid significant political developments, as sources confirm Governor Kefas is poised to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 19.
An insider close to the APC National Working Committee revealed that Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the party's national chairman, has been instrumental in facilitating the defection and is expected to lead the team welcoming Governor Kefas at a rally in Jalingo. The governor himself acknowledged the circulating rumors during a recent address to stakeholders, hinting that the speculation might soon become reality and urging unity regardless of political affiliations.
