By; Juliana Katung, Kaduna.
In its bid to reduce the dependency on oil, the Taraba State Government is to partner with the Federal Government to
develop the Mambila Plateau area for tourist purposes and to regulate mining activities.
Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba State disclose this at the just concluded 37 edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair asserting that it is high time states and Federal Government look inward by developing the natural resources found in various states, in order to jointly diversified the economy.
“Many countries have now discovered oil on their land and are developing more environment friendly alternative sources of energy. We in Nigeria cannot be said to have a competitive advantage on these resources any longer.
“This became necessary to diversified into more sustainable resources like solid minerals, agriculture and tourism that abound in our various states” the Government noted.
According to him, Mambila Plateau which is one of tourist area in Taraba State has a good climate condition just like Europe unknown to so many people and if well developed would attract foreign tourist into the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji
Haruna Manu, said Taraba State has over 50 different solid mineral resources waiting to be exploited and his administration is partnering with Federal Government to regulate mining activities as well as obtained license for mining which he said will go along way in providing employment to the teaming youths and also enhance the state revenue base.
He however called on Nigerians to take the opportunity to visit the Mambila Plateau to see the beauty of Taraba and commended the Kaduna Chamber of Commence for sustaining the tempo of its trade fair.
Earlier, the Commissioner Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Taraba State, Alhaji Iliyasu Mohammed Ajibu said the theme of fair “promoting the Solid Minerals sector for sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria” is in tandem with the rescue mission of the present Government of his state which is poised at diversifying the economy base in order to reduce overdependence on oil revenue which price has now become a political subject.
According to him, with the present economy crises there is a compelling need to harness the abundant natural resources, add value to them and embark on export in order to grow at home as well as sell abroad.
The commissioner who said the Kaduna International Trade Fair occupies aunique position in promoting commercial, industrial, agriculture, solid mineral and tourism development in Nigeria, invite people from other states and country to Taraba state for businesses.
In a welcome address, the Chairman special day committee Alhaji Mailaya Abu Mada said the theme of the fair was carefully choosen going by the present economy hardship being experienced in country in order to collaborate with partners in progress to diversify the country economic.
He however, called on Taraba State to enhance its interaction with the international community in order to showcase their potential.
