Taraba is Nigeria’s Agricultural Powerhouse — VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Taraba State as an agricultural powerhouse with immense potential to empower youths and women, reduce poverty, and drive national development.

Speaking in Jalingo during the opening of the Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) on Wednesday, Shettima—representing President Bola Tinubu—emphasized that the federal government is committed to decentralizing industrialisation by empowering subnational entities.

Call to Prioritise Local Investment

Prominent business leaders also joined the summit, urging the Taraba State government to focus on local investor growth:

• Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, advised Governor Agbu Kefas to first support domestic investors, noting that their success naturally attracts foreign investment.
  

  “Where local investors excel, foreign investors follow without persuasion,” Dangote said, pledging his company’s willingness to invest in the state.

• Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA and Transcorp, assured the state of support for youth empowerment and development initiatives through investment partnerships.
  

  “Industrialisation brings peace, security, and a better life for people,” he stated.

The summit underscores a growing interest in unlocking Taraba’s economic potential, especially in agriculture and youth-focused investment.