Taraba: New Board Pledges To Revive TADP
By Lynn Adda
The newly inaugurated Board of the Taraba Agricultural Development Programme, TADP has pledged to revive the Agency in the interest of the state and the citizens.
The Chairman of the Board, Hon Jechoniah Agabi made the pledge this Wednesday in Jalingo, the state capital while exchanging views with the Management of the Agency during a familiarization visit.
He stressed that the familiarization visit signifies the dawn of a new era, one of transformation, growth and revitalisation for the Agency and agricultural development in Taraba State.
Hon Jechoniah Agabi
While acknowledging that in recent years, TADP has faced significant challenges that have impacted its effectiveness, he said the Board sees an opportunity for renewal and progress.
As New Board, Hon Jechoniah Agabi it is committed to working closely with the Management of TADP and the staff to restore and transform the Agency.
” Our mandate as directed by His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas is to make TADP ‘a model agricultural development agency in Nigeria – one that delivers efficient and effective services to our farmers”.
He announced that the Board has developed a strategic plan to revitalize and strengthen extension services, enhance farm implements and inputs distribution and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders including the private sector, research institutions and civil society organizations to leverage resources, expertise and technology for greater impact.
” With His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas’s numerous investments in the agricultural sector and by working together, we can transform TADP into a dynamic and result driven agency that spearheads agricultural growth, ensures food security and uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers.
” I assure you that transparency and accountability will be the hallmark of our operations. We will engage regularly with stakeholders including the media to provide updates on our progress and initiatives.
Briefing the Board members earlier, the Programme Manager of the Agency Dr Wakili Barde, recalled that TADP which is as old as Taraba State was an initiative of the World Bank to assist selected states to enhance their agricultural development.
He however, regretted that the exit of the World Bank, the agency which was the pride of most states, became ineffective and abandoned.
Dr Wakili Barde
Dr Barde stressed that the agency which is supposed to serve as a leader in the dissemination of information on modern farming technology and innovation to farmers is now facing problems of inadequate funding and logistics as well as shortages of extension workers.
The programme Manager who called for the intervention of the Taraba State Government, said the TADP management is optimistic that the inauguration of the Board will bring positive transformation to the Agency.
He specifically called for the employment of more staff to replace deceased and retired employees, provision of vehicles and motorcycles for enhanced operations and provision of funds for the training and retraining of staff.
