Governor Kefas inaugurates Taraba Bio-entrepreneurship Innovation, Solution Agency as Josiah Habu leads organization

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

Governor Agbu Kefas has formally inaugurated the Taraba State Bio-entrepreneurship Innovation and Solution Agency, (TASBISA) which he described as a bold and visionary initiative designed to harness the rich biodiversity, fertile lands and cultural heritage to foster innovation that bridges science, agriculture, technology, and sustainable development.

The inauguration on Monday, took place at the Executive Council Chambers of TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, Taraba State together with the Post-TARAVEST Summit Committee.

The Governor noted that the TASBISA is tasked with cultivating homegrown solutions that tackle the unique challenges and opportunities facing the people, turning raw possibilities into scalable, inclusive business ventures that create jobs, improve livelihoods, and position Taraba as a leader in Africa’s bio-economy.

According to him, the bio-entrepreneurial ventures nurtured by TASBISA will require strategic partnerships and funding that the Post-TARAVEST Summit committee will help secure and sustain.

He pointed out that TASBISA’s experts and innovators will drive policy, research, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, while the Post-TARAVEST Committee would ensures these innovations and investment opportunities attract the support, infrastructure, and capital needed to flourish.

“Together, your efforts will create a holistic ecosystem where agriculture, science, technology, and industry mutually reinforce one another.

“To our business community, government ministries, agencies, and civil society, your collaboration with both TASBISA and the Post-TARAVEST Committee will be indispensable,” Governor Kefas noted.

He stressed that compliance, transparency, shared vision, and commitment to excellence will be the foundation on which to build a new Taraba—one led by innovation, integrity, and inclusive growth.

“As your Governor, I pledge the full support of this administration to ensure that you have the resources, policy frameworks, and leadership necessary to fulfill your mandates,” Governor Kefas assured.

He explained that Taraba’s future is inextricably linked to the ability of the two bodies to innovate, invest, and implement with speed and precision and urged members of TASBISA and the Post-TARAVEST Summit Committee to embrace the responsibility with integrity, passion, and visionary commitment.

At the inauguration, Mr. Josiah Bitrus Habu, a biotechnologist and former Managing Director of the Bioresources Development Centre in Bayelsa, was sworn in as the pioneer Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of TASBISA.

In his remarks, Dr. Habu pledged to position Taraba as a model for smart agriculture and applied biotechnology in West Africa, describing TASBISA as “a future-ready institution that listens to science, speaks to farmers, and delivers for communities.”