Taraba Gov., Kefas Reaffirms Commitment To Face The State’s Daunting Challenges

By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo.

Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas has reaffirmed his commitment of facing the daunting challenges of the State headlong.

The Governor who stated this while receiving the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale and his team who paid him a courtesy call, said with the attention and support of the United Nations all the challenges of Taraba State are surmountable.

Dr. Agbu Kefas maintained that the unique challenges confronting Taraba State are food, security, access to quality healthcare, education, infrastructural development among others.

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He said the scourge of climate change poses significant threat to agriculture, the economy and the general livelihood of the people of the state.

Dr. Agbu Kefas expressed his determination to overcome these hurdles and create a better Taraba for generations yet unborn.

The Governor recognized that tackling these challenges require collaboration and collective actions, noting that the UN had a long standing history of
support to countries facing adversaries and expressed the commitment of his government to work hand in hand with the UN to design and implement sustainable solutions to address the root causes of the problems of the State.

He said while the support of the International community and the UN is vital, the strength of the people and resources are essential, saying that the people will be empowered with the tools, knowledge and resources and periotise local initiatives to harness the potentials of the citizens.

He disclosed that the government will ensure community driven and sustainable initiatives where by economic prosperity will go hand in hand with inviromental indications, initiative, renewable energy as well as sustainable resources management to build a more resilient and prosperous Taraba State.

Earlier, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mr. Matthias Schmale who led oficials of UNCEF, UNHCR, WHO and UNESCO said the visit was aimed at the possiblity of giving any assistance to Taraba State particularly on matters of children, health, refugees and education.

The Envoy said officials of very strong UN Agencies were on his entourage signifying strong collaboration with the Taraba State Govermment in achieving its aims.

He stated that there are a total of 21 UN Agencies in Nigeria offering support for sustainable development which they signed with the Federal Govermment last year which by nature will be translated into meaniningul partnership at the State levels.

He said one of the criteria for the choice of partnership is that the State must have clear vision and priorities that rhyme with the global prioties in which the State Governor is providing leadership by example and implementing the Universal Declaration on Human Right by providing free education at Primary and Secondary Schools which is key to sustainable development.

He said the UN was established to contribute to global peace building so the visit was not only to provide development support but to engage in peace building to help address the root causes of violent conflicts in the State.

The Envoy said the UN is also available to convene dialogue in safe states among various groups that may be helpful and thanked the governor for the audience.