Kefas commissions cattle market, pledges support for SME growth

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has pledged to create an environment enabling the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

Kefas made the pledge on Thursday while commissioning the Kefas-Aminu.

He emphasized his administration’s commitment during the cattle market in Zing local government council of the state and highlighted the crucial roles that SMEs often play in enhancing revenue generation.

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The commissioning, as observed by our state correspondent, is coming barely a month after an outbreak of cow disease-hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which led to the deaths of no fewer than two thousand cows, was recorded in Sardauna local government council of the state.

Kefas who was represented by his deputy, Aminu Alkali, said, if SMEs are given the desired environment to thrive, it will reduce unemployment rate in Taraba State.

Calling on the people of the council to take ownership of the market, he assured the public of adequate security measures to protect lives and property at the market.

The market, according to him, is strategically located, and has the potential to boost the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and as well facilitate local dey.

The governor, who donated the sum of N10 million in support of the council’s initiative, encouraged local youth and women to leverage the market’s presence for self-sustenance through legitimate business ventures.

Chairman of the council, Prince Davoro Gwandis, noted that the market would create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance commercial activities in the council.

He also highlighted the need for further infrastructure, such as perimeter fencing, a livestock clinic, a modern police outpost, and a reliable water source, to be made available in the market.

Also on his part, the Acting Chairman of the Cattle Market, Ibrahim Monkin, said the market will no doubt elevate the council’s profile and equally motivate agriculturalists to engage in animal farming alongside traditional crop farming.

The market located in Bubbling Ward of Zing Local government, our correspondent gathered, can contain several thousands of cows.

Citing its proximity to neighbouring Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi states, some of the Cattle dealers who spoke with The Guardian, said the establishment of the market, will not only discourage them from travelling several kilometres to purchase cattle.

They also said it will strengthen the relationship between buyers and sellers of the product.