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By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has discussed trade assistance as area of cooperation with officials of the American Embassy in Abuja.
The Governor who visited the Embassy
had positive interface with the Head of Political Affairs, David Frost, Economic Affairs, Katharine Habour and Victoria Ibi, the Political Specialist.
Dr. Kefas explained the focus of his administration and mechanisms are already in place to reposition the state, especially in key sectors like agriculture, health services, mining and solid minerals which will require the expertise and involvement of the American government and private sector.
He said the rationale behind the compulsory free education policy of his Govermment at basic and secondary levels is to ease the burden on parents and as a radical approach to the problem of insecurity by attacking it at the base.
The Governor maintained that the free education programme that encompasses the provision of books, uniforms, welfare of teachers and infrastructure was aimed at addressing poverty which has been the roots of all conflicts in the state.
Dr. Kefas also sought the cooperation of the Embassy in areas of cultural exchanges, environment and climate change as well as securing grants and capacity building on clean energy, insecurity, economic development and gender issues.
The Governor also recalled with nostalgia the productive and friendly synergy he had with the American Consulate in Lagos in the past in a lead-up to the Niger Delta amnesty programme which returned peace to the area and solicited cooperation on security matters.
The officials of the American Embassy in their responses promised to foster closer cooperation and facilitate linkages with the American government and US companies in a mutually beneficial manner.
They suggested for regional cooperation amongst the states in Nigeria so that American support through USAID and similar agencies can reach a wider populace.
He was accompanied on the visit by the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Sarah Enoch Adi, that of Environment and Climate Change Hajiya Aishat Barde and Permanent Secretary Liaison Office Abuja, Dauda Moses.
The Governor in his concerted efforts to attract foreign investment and support to boost the desire of this administration to fast-tract economic and social development had earlier synergised with the German Embassy, the European Union, Czech Republic and China.
