By Newspointer News Desk
January 4, 2026
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on youths of the Mambilla Plateau to embrace unity, forgiveness and purposeful leadership as key drivers of sustainable peace and development in the area.
The governor made the call at the Mambilla Plateau Youths Summit held in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area. The summit, themed “Unlocking Youth Potential for a Prosperous Future,” brought together youths from different tribes and communities, alongside government officials, traditional rulers, academics, professionals and development stakeholders.
Governor Kefas was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who said the state government supports initiatives that promote unity and constructive youth engagement. He added that the administration expects a clear and actionable communiqué from the summit to guide youth-focused policies and programmes.
Kataps disclosed that education remains a major priority of the Kefas administration, noting that ₦6 billion has been provided in the 2026 budget for the take-off of the University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action. He also announced plans to site the Livestock Headquarters in Gembu to boost agricultural development on the Mambilla Plateau.
Recalling the 1958 and 1961 plebiscites, Kataps emphasised the long-standing unity among the people of the Plateau and urged the youths not to allow religion, tribe or politics to divide them. He further disclosed that more than 85 per cent of appointments in the current administration are held by youths as part of deliberate efforts to groom future leaders.
Earlier, the convener of the summit, Comrade Hamza Abubakar, said the event was organised to promote reconciliation, unity and youth-driven development. He stressed that the cultural and tribal diversity of the Plateau should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division, adding that forgiveness and honest reconciliation are essential for lasting peace.
In separate goodwill messages, Hon. Nelson Cyprain Len urged youths to build bridges instead of walls, while Hon. Peter George described the summit as timely and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Kefas for investments in infrastructure and security, noting that Taraba State remains one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria.
From the academic and security perspectives, Prof. Ejika Sambo encouraged youths to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, business and education, especially with the establishment of the new university, while Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju, described the summit as a platform capable of reshaping the future of the Plateau if sustained, announcing that the SAB Foundation would partner with the organisers to expand its impact.
