On this auspicious occasion of the 29th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State, I felicitate with all Tarabans at home and in the Diaspora for the giant and historic strides the State has witnessed under various administrations since the creation of the State on August 27, 1991.
In those 29 years, our State made steady progress in various facets of socio-economic development. We took advantage of our common heritage and our collective aspiration as one united people to create and develop opportunities that have immensely benefitted our people.
Today we have functional educational and health institutions that are meeting the general and specific needs of our people. We have good roads and an airport that have made travels much easier, faster and enjoyable for all of us and our visitors. A dualized road in Jalingo with a flyover, the first ever in Taraba State, is also being added by my administration. Our 700 boreholes in 700 communities in all wards in the State project has profoundly addressed the problem of water scarcity. Water scarcity has permanently ended.
Government’s programmes and policies over those years have significantly improved standard of living for our people. The efforts of my administration at boosting food production have been particularly successful in not only making farming a greater attraction to more Tarabans but brought economic prosperity to their doorsteps. The emphasis and support we have given to farming have today turned our State into the hub for rice and vegetable production and exportation. Our Skills Acquisition programmes have also greatly reduced un-employment and made many of our hitherto jobless women and youths employers of labour.
Our Highland Tea produced from the revived and remodeled Mambilla Beverages Company Ltd in Sardauna Local Government Area has become an international brand and the pride of all Tarabans.
Education has greatly improved. Today the performance of Taraba students stands out as the best in Northern Nigeria.
Great Tarabans, the list of our accomplishments since our birth as a State is long, and so, we have good reasons to be proud and happy as we mark this important day in the life of our state. Yet, we must admit that we are still far from the level we ought to have reached on the socio-economic development ladder. Taraba State is, therefore, still work in progress. There is a lot more for us to do to achieve peace and unity, both of which are essential for the full attainment of our aspirations as a state.
All of us must play a part in this direction. Let’s resolve today to forgive one another, live together in peace and to continue to give our best to the development of dear state.
On our part as a government, we remain committed to our rescue agenda. We will continue to work until our last day in office to consolidate the impressive record of achievements already attained as well as our place in the history of Taraba State as the administration which, through zeal and unrepentant patriotism, succeeded immensely in putting the state on the path of sustainable development.
Happy 29th Anniversary to Taraba and all Tarabans!
LONG LIVE TARABA STATE
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
