Former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has called on the people of Taraba State, political leaders and other stakeholders to close ranks and work together towards unlocking the state’s vast development potential.

Sambo made the call on Thursday in a congratulatory message to Governor Agbu Kefas and the people of Taraba as the state celebrated its 35th anniversary.

The former minister described the anniversary as a major milestone in the history of the state, saying the occasion offered an opportunity for reflection on Taraba’s journey, its achievements, challenges and the possibilities that lie ahead.

He said the 35th anniversary should not merely be a celebration of the past, but a moment for citizens and leaders to renew their commitment to building a more prosperous and united state.

According to him, the development of Taraba requires collective commitment, unity and cooperation among political leaders, citizens, traditional institutions, civil society and other stakeholders.

Sambo stressed that the state had reached a stage of maturity where deliberate and sustained efforts were required to consolidate its achievements and address the challenges confronting its people.

“At 35, a state is no longer a child. It is an adult, mature enough to understand its journey, conscious of its challenges, and old enough to know that much more is expected of it,” he said.

He added that the 35-year journey represented “memories, struggles, triumphs, lessons, and possibilities,” stressing that the state still had the opportunity to write better chapters in its development history.

The former minister urged political actors and other stakeholders to put aside their differences and focus on issues that could improve the lives of residents and accelerate development across the state.

He particularly called for greater attention to youth empowerment, describing investment in young people as critical to strengthening the socio-economic future of Taraba.

Sambo expressed optimism that the state would continue to make progress in the areas of peace, stability and sustainable economic development across its communities.

He also urged citizens to contribute their quota to the development of the state, stressing that government alone could not achieve the desired transformation without the active participation and support of the people.

As Taraba enters another phase of its development journey, he called for a renewed spirit of unity, patriotism and collective responsibility among its people and leaders.