Taraba State Governor Engages with US Embassy on Cooperative Development Initiatives
Dr. Agbu Kefas Seeks US Partnership to Boost Taraba State’s Growth
In a strategic move to foster cooperative ties and catalyze economic growth, Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has engaged in fruitful discussions with key officials at the Embassy of the United States of America in Abuja.
The discussions revolved around collaborative efforts to enhance trade, cooperation, and assistance aimed at propelling Taraba state towards socio-economic advancement.
During the visit, Dr. Kefas held productive dialogues with prominent figures from the embassy, including David Frost, Head of Political Affairs; Katharine Habour, Head of Economic Affairs; and Victoria Ibi, Political Specialist. The Governor provided insights into the ongoing initiatives undertaken by his administration, particularly in crucial sectors such as Agriculture, Health Services, Mining, and Solid Minerals. He expressed a keen interest in leveraging the expertise of the American government and private sector to unlock the state’s immense potential for growth and development, ultimately benefiting its citizens.
At the core of their discussions, Dr. Kefas elucidated the rationale behind his administration’s compulsory free education policy at the basic and secondary education levels. This policy, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents, also serves as a strategic measure to tackle insecurity from its roots. The Governor emphasized that poverty has been a breeding ground for conflicts, and the comprehensive free education program, encompassing essential elements like books, uniforms, teachers’ welfare, and infrastructure, seeks to address these challenges head-on.
In addition to cooperation in education, Dr. Kefas solicited the embassy’s support in cultural exchanges, environmental and climate change initiatives, as well as acquiring grants and capacity building in areas such as clean energy, security, economic development, and gender issues.
The Governor recalled his constructive collaboration with the American Consulate in Lagos, particularly in the lead-up to the successful Niger Delta amnesty, which significantly restored peace to the region. He appealed for similar cooperation on security matters to ensure a stable environment for growth and prosperity.
The officials from the US embassy expressed their commitment to nurturing stronger collaboration and facilitating connections with the American government and U.S.-based companies. They proposed exploring regional cooperation among states to maximize the impact of American support through agencies like USAID. This approach would enable their assistance to reach a broader audience, enhancing its effectiveness and reach.
As Taraba state’s visionary leader continues to actively seek international partnerships, this strategic engagement with the U.S. embassy underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing the state’s economic and social development, forging a path toward a brighter future for its people.