By Jako Keke, August 12, 2026.
The Taraba State Government has announced plans to establish a 10,000-hectare cluster farm estate aimed at boosting food production and creating sustainable agricultural opportunities for youths across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, disclosed this while speaking in Jalingo while commenting on the 2026 International Youth Day.
Maikasuwa said the proposed agricultural estate would deploy modern farming equipment and practices, with youths expected to constitute the largest beneficiaries of the initiative.
According to him, the scheme is designed to allocate between two and three hectares of farmland to individual participating youths, providing them with the opportunity to engage in commercial agriculture and build sustainable livelihoods.
He said the initiative was part of the administration's broader efforts to empower young people, reduce unemployment and strengthen food security in the state.
The Special Adviser congratulated Taraba youths, saying the state government had already recorded significant progress through its investment in agricultural training and capacity development.
He disclosed that about 300 youths were trained in Keffi, Nasarawa State, last year in various aspects of agriculture, including animal husbandry, livestock production and crop farming.
Maikasuwa further revealed that the state government this year sponsored about 30 youths to India for specialised training in crop production.
He expressed optimism that the beneficiaries of the international training would return with improved technical knowledge and contribute to strengthening agricultural services and productivity in Taraba.
The Special Adviser said the administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for youths to embrace agriculture as a viable business rather than merely subsistence farming.
He explained that the government's objective was to transform Taraba into a major food-producing state and ultimately position it as an agricultural exporter capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria's food supply.
According to him, the initiative is being pursued under the Taraba State Agricultural and Rural Development Scheme, with emphasis on modern agricultural practices, youth participation and increased productivity.
Maikasuwa maintained that investing in young people remained essential to the state's economic future, particularly given the large proportion of youths involved in agricultural activities.
Commenting on the three executive orders recently issued by the Taraba State Government to tackle thuggery, drug abuse and illegal mining, Maikasuwa described the measures as commendable.
He said the executive orders would contribute to securing the future of young people, many of whom, according to him, are among the active participants or vulnerable groups affected by such activities.
The Special Adviser stressed that tackling drug abuse, political thuggery and illegal mining would create a safer environment for youths to pursue education, entrepreneurship, agriculture and other productive ventures.
He urged Taraba youths to take advantage of the opportunities being created by the government and shun activities capable of jeopardising their future.
Maikasuwa reaffirmed the administration's commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural development and food security, saying the success of the initiatives would depend largely on the willingness of young people to embrace productive opportunities and contribute to the state's development.
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