By Political Correspondent, August 27, 2026.
As Taraba State celebrates its 35th anniversary, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Taraba State Chapter, has called for stronger policies, greater social cohesion and deliberate investment in the state’s abundant natural and human resources to accelerate sustainable development.
The Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Gimba Joseph, PhD, made the call in a statement marking the anniversary, describing Taraba as a state richly endowed with natural resources and diverse landscapes that have earned it the description, “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.”
According to him, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for Tarabans to reflect on the state’s journey, celebrate its achievements, acknowledge existing challenges and develop strategies for a more prosperous future.
Gimba noted that Taraba’s greatest asset remains its people, whom he described as resilient, proud of their heritage and committed to building a better future.
He identified the introduction of free basic and secondary education, alongside a 50 per cent reduction in tertiary school fees over the last three years, as significant developments that have expanded access to education and increased enrolment across the state.
The CSOs chairman also highlighted Taraba’s agricultural potential, noting that the state produces crops including maize, groundnut, cowpea, yam, palm oil, tea, rice and cocoa.
He further identified the state’s mineral deposits, including barite, limestone, coal, gypsum, kaolin and gemstones, as resources capable of attracting investment, creating employment and strengthening the state’s economy if properly developed.
According to him, the establishment of new universities and the expansion of primary and secondary education have also increased opportunities for young people.
Gimba commended the inclusion of civil society representatives in government committees, boards, parastatals and advisory positions, describing the development as an avenue for strengthening participatory governance and transparency.
He also cited improvements in road networks, rural electrification, cultural festivals and tourism promotion among the areas where the state has recorded progress.
Looking ahead, the CSOs chairman identified large-scale agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, mining, renewable energy and youth entrepreneurship as key sectors capable of transforming Taraba’s economy.
He particularly pointed to the Mambilla Plateau and other underdeveloped tourist destinations as having significant potential for tourism expansion.
Gimba also welcomed the youth funds initiative of Governor Agbu Kefas, saying grants, business support, skills acquisition and vocational training could provide a foundation for a more productive and self-reliant generation.
However, he noted that significant challenges continue to affect the state’s development trajectory.
He identified the absence of a comprehensive agricultural policy, the pace of development, pockets of insecurity, infrastructure deficits in rural communities, healthcare limitations and youth unemployment as issues requiring sustained attention.
The CSOs chairman stressed that, despite Taraba’s substantial allocations from the Federation Account, the state still needed stronger development planning and implementation to maximise available resources and improve living conditions across communities.
He also called for continued efforts to address banditry, communal disputes and farmer-herder conflicts, warning that sustained peace remains essential for investment and economic growth.
According to Gimba, improving rural infrastructure and access to quality healthcare, while creating more employment opportunities, should remain central to the state’s development agenda.
He said Taraba’s 35th anniversary should therefore be viewed as both a celebration and a call to action.
“Taraba State marks its 35 years of statehood with the state at a crossroad,” he said, noting that the achievements recorded so far demonstrate the resilience and ambition of its people.
Gimba expressed optimism that with stronger policy direction, improved security, social cohesion and inclusive development, Taraba could harness its natural and mineral resources to emerge as a model of sustainable development among its peers.
He concluded that the state’s future remains promising, urging government, civil society, traditional institutions, the private sector and citizens to work collectively towards building a more prosperous Taraba.
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