The Taraba State government has commenced its induction training for public office holders in the state. The purpose of this training is to equip appointees with the necessary knowledge, insight, and tools to excel in their respective roles and work harmoniously towards a vision of a prosperous and inclusive Taraba State.
Emmanuel Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Digital Communications, stated in a release that the three-day induction program includes participants from the National Assembly, legislative and judicial officers of the state.
During the event, Governor Kefas addressed the office holders, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the people’s welfare and establishing a feedback mechanism between the appointees and the public. He expressed pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility, congratulating each appointee on their well-deserved success in their recent appointments. He viewed this moment as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Taraba state, highlighting the opportunity for progress, growth, and transformation.
Governor Kefas urged the office holders to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance while working towards the welfare of the people. He emphasized the need for open communication and collaboration to address the challenges faced by the state and create an enabling environment for citizens to thrive.
Speakers at the event commend Governor Agbu Kefas for his foresight in organizing the induction course and predicted that it would serve as a platform for future growth.
During his presentation, Mr. Gabriel Okeowo, the Country Director of BudgIT, acknowledged the state’s economic challenges but commended the government for investing in the training of its policymakers. He expressed optimism that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would increase under the new leadership and suggested investigating the reasons behind the IGR’s decline over the years. Okeowo recommended that the state leverage technology, such as building a functional website, to attract investors and emphasized the importance of data-driven planning for effective results.
Dr. Peter Akpe, in his paper titled “Understanding the Governance Landscape,” lauded the state for organizing the training, stating that the lectures would refine the focus of office holders and lead to improved output and results. He stressed the need for collective efforts and fresh perspectives in achieving progress.
Mrs. Didi Walson Jack, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, highlighted the importance of synergy among government sectors. Drawing from her personal experiences in the Civil Service, she discussed the relationship between the civil force and political leaders, advocating for merit-based appointments rather than political patronage.
Overall, the induction training received praise from speakers, and it was seen as a positive step towards empowering office holders and driving progress in Taraba State.