By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State House of Assembly has Thursday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture and Climate Action in Sardauna local government area of the State.
The bill, sponsored by lawmakers, Hon Abel Peter Diah, Hon Nelson C. Len, and Hon Abdull’Azzi Titong aims to promote agricultural innovation and tackle climate change through specialized academic programs has scale its second reading.
The public hearing, which held at the House of Assembly Complex in Jalingo, saw all parties involved unanimously supporting the establishment of the bill.
The proposed university seeks to harness the region’s rich agricultural potential, promote sustainable development, and offer increased educational and economic opportunities for local residents.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. John Bonzena assured the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the bill, stating that it aligns with the state’s developmental goals.
Hon. Abel Peter Diah who spoke on behalf of the sponsors of the bill expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that the proposed university represents hope for the future of education, research, and climate resilience in the state.
On his part, Secretary to the Government of the State, Barrister Gebon Kataps hailed the legislative initiative as a historic breakthrough for the people of the area, stating that it will help address food security challenges and create jobs.
“The university will enhance access to higher education and research, especially for underserved highland communities on the Mambilla Plateau.
“The university is expected to stimulate the local economy and create jobs,” he said.
Our Correspondent reports that the public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the bill’s development where community leaders, residents, and other interested parties attended the hearing, all of whom expressed their support for the establishment of the university.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Sardauna Local Government, Hon. Mohamed Umar said that the proposed will create opportunities, jobs, and engage youths of the area and the state at large.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, whom he described as a visionary leader and a true friend of the Mambilla Plateau. He noted that the Governor has made Sardauna LGA his second home, consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the development of the land and its people.
He commended the sponsors of he bill, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, Hon. Abdulazeez Suleiman Titong, and Hon. Nelson C. Len for anticipating future needs and representing the true aspirations of their constituents.
“The establishment of this university is more than just a development project.
“It is a generational investment, Economically, the university will ignite a new wave of opportunities, from direct employment and increased commercial activity to housing development, youth engagement, and knowledge transfer.
“The local economy will experience a long-awaited boost. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will flourish, transport services will expand, and skilled labor will be attracted to the area, among many other benefits.
During the public hearing, dignitaries shared their views and recommendations, among those present were members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Barr. G. T. Kataps (Ngwii Mambilla), the State PDP Chairman, Alh. Abubakar Bawa, government officials, political appointees, the Ta Mboon Mambilla, His Royal Majesty Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II, and other respected traditional leaders.
In another development, the government is set to train over three hundred youths under the Kefas Agbu Agricultural Mechanization Project.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security Professor Nicholas Namessan Oliver said the project is between the Taraba State Government and the CSS integrated farms Keffi,Nassarawa State.
He posited that the trainees mainly youths with gender parity were drawn from all local government areas of the State.
He explained that Governor Agbu Kefas since coming onboard as Governor has accorded priority to Agriculture which is hitherto responsible for the achievements recorded in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Professor, Nicholas Namessan Oliver expressed confidence on the trainees to step down what they are going to learn in the farm to other youths in the state.
Taraba State trainees on orientation program are expected to depart the state this week Sunday.
The training is for two weeks where the trainees will be educated on modern method of farming.