How to stimulate growth in Taraba, by NGOs

The NGOs spoke against the backdrop of the frustrations they continue to face in their quest to bring succour to Taraba residents, attributing the situation to religious and ethnic bigotry.

According to the state Coordinator of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), Ahmed Koson, who spoke with reporter yesterday in Jalingo, Taraba State said the state government has also continued to display lukewarm attitude towards the Child Act Rights.

Koson, who is also chairman, Taraba Youth Progressive Association of Nigerian, stressed that the “situations” of NGOs in Taraba “is very critical.”

His words: “In Taraba State here, we have two factors that are retarding development. They are the issue of ethnic and the issue of religion.

“When you talk about religion, you will see a lot of churches and mosques all over the state. But the conduct of these two religions is nothing to write home about because they are not doing what the religions commanded

“On the issue of ethnicity, the story is even worst because those at the helm of affairs are always thinking about their families alone. When their families are not involved, they feel reluctant to make a positive move that would benefit the entire people of the state.

“With all the churches and all the mosques in this state, I still believe that our people still have a long way to go. Tarabans generally need to be sensitised. If not, the Vision 2020-20 would not bring meaningful development to the people of this state.”

Koson lauded donor agencies, whom he said have being working round the clock to extend helping hands to the NGOs.

No fewer than 300 orphans, he disclosed, are currently be sponsored by the NGOs through global funds without any form of help from the state government.

He stressed that the NGOs, in spite of their limited resources, have been offering educational, health, psycho-social supports to the orphans.

Koson charged the governor to hold a roundtable talk with all registered NGOs in the state for first-hand information on their activities.

He added: “If they are taking decision of developmental issues, the NGOs should be involve because the NGOs have contributed immensely to the growth of this state more than most of the commissioners and special advisers.”