The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has said the state is not poor, arguing that its major challenge is the underutilisation and mismanagement of its abundant natural resources.
Nyameh stated this on Monday in Jalingo while speaking on the development challenges facing the state.
He said Taraba was endowed with vast agricultural land, mineral resources, forests, water resources and tourism potentials capable of transforming its economy and improving the living standards of residents.
According to him, successive administrations have failed to adequately harness these resources, resulting in persistent economic challenges and limited opportunities for the people.
“Taraba is not poor. We are blessed with natural resources, but these resources have been underutilised and mismanaged,” Nyameh said.
The Accord candidate said purposeful leadership, transparency and strategic investment could help the state generate more internal revenue while creating jobs for its growing population.
He identified agriculture as a key sector that could drive economic growth through mechanised farming, agro-processing, improved market access and the development of agricultural value chains.
Nyameh also called for responsible exploitation of the state’s mineral resources, stressing the need for proper regulation to protect the environment and ensure that host communities benefit from mining activities.
He further identified tourism as another area with significant economic potential, citing Taraba’s mountains, forests, wildlife and other natural attractions that could attract tourists and generate revenue if properly developed and promoted.
The candidate also advocated investment in roads, electricity, water supply and healthcare, saying critical infrastructure was necessary to unlock the economic potential of rural communities.
Nyameh urged the people of Taraba to demand greater accountability from political leaders and support policies focused on sustainable development, job creation and improved living standards, expressing confidence that the state could become one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs if its resources were properly managed.
