Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas has vowed to make Taraba youths job creators rather than job seekers.
Kefas who made the vow in Jalingo while declaring open the first Taraba State Youths, Economic and Security Summit held at the Gym Hall of Jolly Nyame Stadium, described the youths as a driving force of the future of any society, adding that Taraba has vibrant and dynamic youths full of creativity, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The governor who opened up that the state is confronted with several challenges that are hindering its steady growth, however observed that “within every challenge lies an opportunity” as such, his administration would seize the moment to chart a new course for the good of the entire people of the State.
Kefas said,
“We will work hard to empower our youths, promote economic prosperity, and ensure the safety and security of our people.
“We will also create the enabling environment that will promote entrepreneurship and innovations. We will invest in vocational trainings and skill development programmes as well as promote mentorship initiatives to equip our young people with the necessary tools to prosper in this modern economy.
“By doing so, we will unlock their potentials and enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers. We also understand the importance of infrastructural development in driving economic growth.
“We will engage in improving critical areas such as agriculture, tourism, education and health care to create a conducive environment that will attract investors into our dear state”.
Speaking further, the governor noted that his administration has recognized security as the fundamental pillar of development and such, would remain committed to raising the security architecture of the state by collaborating with relevant stakeholders, community leaders, youth organizations and security agencies to ensure peace across the state.
Earlier, chairman of the summit organizing committee, Mr. Benjamin Bako in a remark said the summit was the initiative of Governor Kefas to change the thinking of the youths and harvest youths’ innovative ideas and creativity to move the state forward.
Bako called on the youths to change their thinking towards government jobs and imbibe the entrepreneurship spirit, adding that big certificates were not what they require to succeed in life.
“Our dear state today is replete with cemeteries of great dreams because of mind set, wrong orientation, and what people listen to. You become what you think. So, you must explore, you must be audacious and you 6must be bold. Certificates can take you up, but only attitude and good behaviour can keep you there,” he added.