What Ordinary Tarabans Must Do to Attract Investment

Guest Writer Joachim Agbo

As the Taraba state prepares for the much talked about maiden investment summit, there's a lot of focus on what the government must do. Of course there is no gain emphasizing that the government must make sure it has a less bureaucratic investment policies that makes the ease of doing business enviable among its subnational peers. Infrastructure must be in place without thrashing incentives to woo potential investors.

In today's column I want to focus on some soft investment truths that most times are overlooked or not given adequate considerations. If Tarabans are serious about investment drive and changing the economic story of this naturally enviable state it must to terms that investment is only possible with the cooperation of the people.

Investment begins with the people.

While it is true that the governor and members of his cabinet are the major stakeholders in the investment drive, it is also very important that I mention here that everyone is needed in this quest. Every ordinary Taraba citizen—from Takum to Bali, from Gembu to Jalingo, from the Keke Rider to the Woman selling her wares at Roadblock- has a role to play because investors don't just look at policies—they look at the people. They watch how we behave, how we talk about our state, how we treat each other, how we embrace or resist change.

So, What Should the Ordinary Taraban Be Doing?

Speak Positively About Taraba

You cannot insult your house and expect guests to feel welcome.
Too many Tarabans—especially on social media—speak negatively about their state. "Nothing works here," "Our people are backward," "The government is useless." Yes, we have problems. But so does every state. If we want outsiders to see Taraba as a place to invest, we must learn to speak with hope. Promote our beauty, our culture, our food, our kindness, our resources. A positive attitude is contagious. If you don't believe in your home, why should anyone else?

Be Hospitable and Peaceful

No investor will take his money to a place where conflict is a lifestyle.Every community in Taraba must rise up and say "Enough is enough" to clashes, tribal sentiments, land disputes, and petty hostilities. Whether it's in Karim Lamido, Takum, or Sardauna, we must guard the peace of our land jealously. Peace is the most valuable infrastructure.Let investors know that Taraba is not just safe but welcoming. Whether they're Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, or Chinese, American, European,we must open our doors and give them reasons to stay.,

Support Local Businesses

Every time you buy from a local farm, eat in a neighborhood restaurant, or patronize a Taraba-made product, you are investing in Taraba. Let's support our tailors, welders, agro-processors, furniture makers, and women traders. When these businesses grow, they employ more people and make the state more attractive to outside investors.Let's stop looking down on our own goods. Start celebrating "Made in Taraba" as a badge of pride.

Be Clean, Be Orderly

It might sound simple, but cleanliness and order are silent investment magnets. Investors take note of how clean our streets are, how polite our people are, how organized our markets look.Let's stop littering our towns with waste. Let's beautify our neighborhoods, keep our streets safe, and act like people who are ready for growth. If we can't keep our environment clean, how can we attract someone who wants to build a hotel, a factory, or a shopping mall?

Become an Ambassador, Not a Spectator

The investment summit is not just for the elite. It's a movement. Taraban youths must get involved. Learn about the sectors that are ripe for investment—Music,agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, ICT. Start positioning yourself with skills that match those sectors. Farmers should start organizing themselves into cooperatives. Students should start asking, "How can I be part of the solution?" Traders should ask, "What can I sell that makes Taraba look good?"Let's all wear the badge of "Taraba Investment Ambassador"—not with a title, but with action.

Use Social Media to Showcase Taraba

Every phone in your hand is a marketing tool.
 Instead of posting gossip and negativity, let's start showcasing our farms, our hills, our crafts, our festivals, and even our people doing inspiring things. Tag the right handles. Tell the world about the tea fields of Gembu, about our local delicacies and rich history.Social media has put the power in your palm. Use it to sell Taraba's beauty.

Development is not magic. It is the result of many people doing small things right, consistently. The investment summit is a bold step, but it must be matched by a bold people. Tarabans must rise—not with complaints but with commitment.Because when we all act like we own the future, the future becomes ours.

 

Joachim Agbo is a development economist, public policy analyst, and the host of Business Hangout on Rock FM 92.3. He writes on public policy, economic reforms, and business strategy. He can be reached at joachim2002n@gmail.com or +234-8039669801