Kefas approves 23-member committee to drive sugar development in Taraba

Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the establishment of a 23-member Joint Technical Committee to advance sugar development initiatives across the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yusuf Sanda, the committee is to be chaired by Jethro Yakubu Zikyengyu, while Abel Bako Joachim of the Ministry of Agriculture will serve as Secretary.

The committee draws its membership from key government agencies, the private sector, farmers’ associations, community leaders, and traditional rulers.

According to the statement, the committee’s mandate includes promoting and facilitating the growth of the sugar industry, engaging stakeholders across relevant sectors, formulating a comprehensive sugar development plan, identifying suitable locations for sugar processing, and mobilising funding, equipment, and technical expertise to enhance sugar production in the state.

The activities of the committee, as announced by the government, will be coordinated by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Jeji Williams. It has a three-month timeline to submit its report and recommendations to the state government.

Governor Kefas noted that the move reflects his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, job creation, and the promotion of industrial growth across Taraba State.