MR Darius Ishaku, the PDP Governorship Candidate in Taraba and ex-Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, has pledged to boost the state’s economy with increased tea production if elected.
Ishaku made the pledge at a news conference shortly after a reception in his honour by supporters and party faithful in Takum yesterday.
“Taraba is the most resourceful State in Nigeria due to its huge agricultural and mineral resources.
“I want to assure you that coffee production alone can sustain the state’s economy, let alone the entire tea production potential of the state.
“I, therefore, assure the people of the state that I will make use of private partnership to resuscitate the Kakara Tea Factory on the Mambilla plateau.
“I will also encourage tea farmers to go into mass production in order to turn around the state’s economy”, he said.
Ishaku said he was satisfied with his performance as minister in President Goodluck Jonthan’s administration.
He said the administration fast tracked the construction of the Kashimbila Multi-purpose Dam and the Mambilla Hydroelectric Projects.
He explained that the Kashimbila dam, slated for inauguration by President Jonathan in Feb. 2015, would bring about steady power supply and other numerous benefits to the state.
The PDP flag-bearer called on the people of the state to keep faith with the party and vote in its candidates during the 2015 general elections to foster peace and development.
Reports state that hundreds of supporters and party faithful including Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, the Speaker, Taraba Assembly and Dr Mark Useni, Commissioner for Information and Strategy attended the reception.