Adamawa State has pledged closer economic collaboration with Taraba State following the participation of a high-powered delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kelatapwa George Farauta, at the 2025 Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST).
The summit, which held on Wednesday at the State Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, served as a strategic platform for promoting regional development through investments in key sectors including Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and Industrialization (AEMI).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots economic transformation. He described food security and regional economic inclusion as central to Nigeria’s long-term stability.
“Food sufficiency is the first currency of national stability, which is why we have made agriculture the cornerstone of our national strategy,” the President stated.
President Tinubu praised Taraba State’s agricultural potential and called for a shift from subsistence farming to industrial-scale food production, noting that such transformation is vital for national economic resilience.
In her remarks to journalists, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kelatapwa George Farauta, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for enabling Adamawa’s active participation at the summit.
“I see strong agricultural similarities between Taraba and Adamawa, and today’s summit has drawn serious investors showing interest in agriculture, mineral resources, and human capital development,” she said. “If our sister state can do it, so can we with a supportive and visionary leader at the helm of affairs.”
She emphasized Adamawa’s readiness to welcome investors, adding that increased private sector involvement would enhance the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and drive inclusive development.
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, officially opened the summit with a declaration that “life has come to Taraba,” assuring investors that the state is peaceful, secure, and rich in human and natural resources.
“We are creating a business-friendly environment to support enterprise and growth. The time to invest in Taraba is now,” the governor said.
Also speaking at the summit, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Dr Ishaya John Dabari, said the state was working on a similar investment-focused initiative aimed at attracting local and international partners.
“We are rich in agriculture, minerals, and livestock. Our agrobusiness sector is thriving, and increased investor interest only adds to our economic momentum,” Dr Dabari stated.
The summit attracted development partners, technocrats, and investors from within and outside Nigeria, as both Taraba and Adamawa chart a new course towards sub-national economic integration and sustainable development.
