Youths in Taraba state under the aegis of Concerned Taraba Youth Groups are appealing to Governor Agbu Kefas to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and align with the centre to remove the state from underdeveloped to developing state.

The youths in a press briefing in jalingo, the state capital led by its president, Shedrack Gani, said Taraba needs strong federal support and presence with capital projects that could transform the state’s economy and create jobs for the youths.

While appreciating the bold reforms taken by the Governor in education, healthcare, security and empowerment, they insisted that many of the challenges holding the state back are beyond what the state government alone can tackle or withstand.

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“Today, Taraba State stands at a defining moment. As young people, we carry the weight of tomorrow on our shoulders, and our greatest desire is to see our state prosper with opportunities, jobs, and modern amenities. From Jalingo to Gembu, Takum to Lau, and Wukari to Karim Lamido, the voice of the youth is one: Taraba must not be left behind in Nigeria’s development journey.

“Governor Agbu Kefas has already inspired us with bold reforms in education, healthcare, and empowerment. His energy and commitment have rekindled confidence among young people. But the truth remains that many of the challenges holding our state back are beyond what Taraba alone can solve.

“Critical projects that could transform our economy and create jobs for our youth have been abandoned for too long, for instance, the Ibi Bridge, a gateway for trade and commerce.
The collapsed Namnai Bridge, which has cut off communities and opportunities.
Federal highways in worsening condition, especially the Jalingo-Lau-Karim Lamido road and the River Benue crossing.

“The massive Wukari-Jalingo-Zing Road project, running into hundreds of billions of naira, far beyond the state’s purse. The Mambilla Hydro Power Project, a dream that can power industries and households across Nigeria.

“These are not luxury projects; they are lifelines for Taraba’s growth. Without federal partnership, they will remain unfulfilled promises ”

Speaking on the rationale behind their decision to ask the governor to align with the APC, they stressed that Nigeria today is driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“For Taraba to attract attention at the highest level, our Governor must work side by side with the federal government. This is not about party rivalry, it is about practical politics that brings real dividends of democracy.

“If Governor Kefas joins the All Progressives Congress (APC), Taraba will gain direct access to federal projects, resources, and opportunities that our people, especially the youth, desperately need.

“Our Appeal as Young People: We, the youth of Taraba State, are united in this call:
We want development, not division.
We want bridges that connect us, not politics that separate us.
We want roads, power, jobs, and opportunities that will secure our future.

“Governor Kefas has already shown he is a man of courage and vision. We urge him to make history by aligning with the centre, so Taraba can rise and take its rightful place in Nigeria’s progress ”

“As young people, our future depends on decisions taken today. We therefore make this passionate appeal ”

“Governor Agbu Kefas, for the sake of Taraba’s youth and generations yet unborn, lead us into the APC and into a partnership with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision. Together, we can move Taraba forward.”