President Bola Tinubu has called for partnership to harness the natural resources in Taraba State, saying it will enable Nigeria to compete better with the rest of the world.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke at the first-ever Taraba International Investment Summit, dubbed TARAVEST 2025.

According to him, exploring economic opportunities will help the country compete globally.

Tinubu noted that his administration has rolled out various intervention programmes and policies to boost agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

He commended the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for the initiative, describing it as a positive move that will redefine the destiny of the state and its people.

Dr. Kefas, in his welcome address, described the summit as a “light” to the state, assuring potential investors of a peaceful and conducive business environment.

He urged investors to take advantage of the state’s peace and business-friendly climate.

The summit, which drew prominent personalities from across the globe, including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and UBA CEO, Mr. Tony Elumelu, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities for economic growth and development in the state.

Dangote, at the event, stressed the importance of domestic investment, saying foreign investors will only come when they see local investors thriving.

He pledged to partner with the state to invest and impact the lives of the people.

Similarly, Elumelu announced plans to invest in Taraba through Transcorp and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, citing the potential of agriculture to tackle hunger and strengthen food security.

He also highlighted the role of investment in creating jobs, curbing unemployment, and empowering people.

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, who represented the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, echoed Dangote’s sentiments, emphasising the potential of agriculture to take Nigerians out of economic hardship.

He noted that Nigeria’s fertile lands and year-round farming capacity mean the country has no excuse for economic hardship.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the summit as a key to bringing economic transformation, urging the government to implement measures to address investment risks and enable people to invest in the state.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, charged Governor Kefas not to rest on his laurels, urging him to focus on building on the strengths of Taraba and attracting real investments in agriculture, tourism, and other critical sectors.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, also commended Governor Kefas for making Taraba relatively peaceful over the past two years, stressing the need to protect the security gains to sustain investor confidence.