Honourable Habu James Philip is the Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation. In this interview with our correspondent Terna Chikpa, the Commissioner sheds light on the transformative initiatives of Governor Agbu Kefas’s aim at ending poverty in Taraba by 2027.
He also speaks on the state government’s commitment to sustainable development, economic empowerment, and making Taraba a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Could you briefly tell us about your mandate as the Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation?
Thank you very much. Let me introduce myself: I am Honourable Habu James Philip, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation in Taraba State, and I hail from Bali Local Government Area. As Commissioner, my mandate is to identify vulnerable groups; the less privileged and the poor and work towards alleviating or eradicating their hardships. We aim to improve their livelihood through collaborations with various stakeholders.
Thank you, sir. In your estimation, how well has this mandate been executed so far in Taraba State?
When we started, it was a challenging mandate, considering Taraba has a population of about 4 million, with the majority facing extreme poverty. Statistics show that around 80% of the population lives in poverty. Poverty affects various areas such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and access to electricity. Upon taking office, His Excellency Governor Agbu Kefas took immediate action by declaring free education and reducing higher education fees by half, which greatly helped reduce financial burdens. Additionally, he focused on agriculture, distributing new farm implements to cooperative farmers. This move has significantly impacted poverty reduction. By 2027, I believe we’ll see tangible improvements. The government is constructing roads to facilitate access to local markets, ensuring farmers can transport their products easily. Through the Ministry of Rural Development, road rehabilitation has been prioritized. For example, tractors were recently distributed to cooperative farmers, courtesy of the North East Development Commission. We’ve also offered financial support through social grant transfers, providing 50,000 to 100,000 naira to youths aged 18 to 45. These are concrete steps toward eradicating poverty in Taraba.
That’s impressive. You mentioned a recent trip to China. Can you share how that experience benefits Taraba State and possibly the North in general?
My trip to China was incredibly enlightening. We studied China’s poverty eradication strategies, which primarily involved agriculture and e-commerce. China transformed its rural areas by modernizing agriculture, building infrastructure, and encouraging e-commerce. This is achievable in Taraba as well, considering our vast arable land. With the Governor’s commitment to introducing advanced farming equipment and techniques, I believe Taraba is on the right track.
Poverty remains a significant issue in Nigeria, especially in the North. What specific challenges does Taraba face in this fight, and how are you addressing them?
One of the major challenges we’ve faced in Taraba has been a lack of leadership focused on poverty alleviation. But this administration has taken steps to improve education, infrastructure, and healthcare, and has made advanced agricultural tools accessible. Addressing these gaps is essential, as they contribute to poverty. The Governor’s initiatives in these areas are visible across the state, and we’re already seeing positive impacts.
Cooperative societies are essential for economic empowerment. What programmes do you have to strengthen cooperatives in Taraba?
Before, many people viewed cooperatives only as government intervention platforms. We’ve educated them on how cooperatives can be self-sustaining and financially strong. Our ministry has been actively training and guiding cooperative societies on best practices, and our directors regularly visit them across the state. We believe cooperatives are vital for poverty eradication because they empower groups to support each other economically.
How do you think these cooperative societies have improved financial security for their members?
Previously, cooperatives operated independently, with members saving and pooling funds. But under Governor Kefas’s administration, we’ve provided intervention programs like tractors and fertilizers to cooperative farmers. These resources boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the state’s economy, and reinforce the importance of cooperatives.
Let’s talk about agriculture, especially with your recent experience in China. How do you intend to leverage agriculture to promote industrial growth in Taraba?
Agriculture is indeed Taraba’s key sector for poverty reduction. About 85% of Taraba’s population should ideally be involved in farming due to our fertile lands. With the right training, I believe that within the next decade, Taraba can become a major agricultural exporter. We already have potential with crops like soybeans, maize, guinea corn, and yam, as well as cash crops like coffee and tea. Our governor’s support in modernizing agriculture will certainly lead to a prosperous future for Taraba.
Could you share some recent success stories or statistics highlighting your ministry’s achievements?
We have partnered with NG-Cares to provide financial support to verified vulnerable individuals. Recently, we distributed funds to 10,049 beneficiaries. We’ve also distributed farm implements from the North East Development Commission and are continuously creating access roads through the Ministry of Rural Development. These initiatives are yielding positive results, and our education sector is being strengthened through fee reductions, allowing parents to focus on farming.
How has the ministry’s empowerment initiative included women?
This administration is highly focused on women’s empowerment. Through the Nigeria for Women Project, funded by the World Bank, we provided rice and groundnut processing machines to women across the 16 local government areas. Empowering women is empowering the community, and this initiative has already transformed many lives.
On security, you mentioned the Governor’s efforts in addressing insecurity. Could you elaborate on his approach?
Before this administration, insecurity was a major concern in Taraba. Today, the state is significantly safer. I can personally attest to this, as I move around without security. Farmers are now able to work without fear, which directly supports agriculture and economic growth.
There was a recent viral video where you mentioned “sustaining poverty” in Tribune. We believe it was an error; could you clarify?
Yes, thank you for bringing that up. I was in China discussing poverty eradication and sustainability, and I mistakenly said “sustaining poverty” instead of “sustaining development.” It was an honest slip of the tongue. My goal is to sustain development through agriculture, e-commerce, and social empowerment, not poverty. I hope this clarifies the issue.
Lastly, how does your ministry engage with communities to ensure their needs are met and gather feedback on your programmes?
The Governor selected a grassroots-focused team, including myself, which allows us to directly connect with the people. We rely on our ministry’s directors and representatives to gather accurate data and feedback. This direct approach helps us address the real needs of our communities effectively.
How has your ministry engaged with communities to ensure their needs are met, and how do you gather feedback on your programmes?
Those are excellent questions. His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas is one of the most experienced governors I have ever met. If you look at the composition of his executive cabinet, he has appointed commissioners from the grassroots level and individuals with intellectual backgrounds and substantial experience. For those of us who come from the community, data collection is straightforward because we are familiar with our people and understand their needs. Being appointed as the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation feels like a natural fit, allowing me to engage directly with the people. My ministry has directors who gather accurate data on those who need intervention, so we don’t rely on third-party data. We conduct our research directly within the 16 local government areas, where we have established connections with the communities. We understand what each community is capable of producing. For instance, if I’m looking to empower cooperatives in southern Taraba, I know I’ll be dealing with yam farmers in places like Wukari and palm oil producers in Takum. Our data collection is effective because we know the people and what they need.
You mentioned direct data collection and feedback, which leads me to ask: Do you have established channels for people across the state to share ideas or raise concerns regarding poverty alleviation initiatives? How easy is it for people to reach your ministry?
Yes, we have a structured approach. Each community has gatekeepers, and Dr. Kefas has committees in place that include these community leaders. Our ministry has offices across the geopolitical zones, and these offices are always open to ideas that can help reduce poverty. For example, if farmers feel that the distributed fertilizers are inadequate or not of the best quality, they can come forward with suggestions through their gatekeepers, chairpersons, or counsellors. We’re open to feedback from all channels, whether it’s through the leaders of various organizations or directly from the communities.
Benue State has always been known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” However, recently, the governor of Niger State has earned a reputation as the “Farmer’s Governor” due to strong agricultural initiatives. Now, considering what Governor Kefas is doing in agriculture, do you see Taraba State becoming the new food basket, potentially surpassing Benue and Niger States?
That’s a timely question. Benue may hold the basket, but we’re holding the food. Much of what is produced in Niger State actually originates from Taraba. If we were to close our borders, many parts of Nigeria would feel the impact. Taraba has long been a champion in agriculture, supplying the entire Northeast and much of the North Central region. Even before this administration, our farmers were producing food in abundance. If you’re transporting crops like maize or rice through Benue on the way to the south, you’ll pass countless checkpoints because they know the produce is from Taraba. The truth is, we produce the food, and they get the credit due to a strong media presence. But we are changing that. Our Ministry of Commerce is launching “Taraba Sacks” to proudly label our produce. With Governor Kefas introducing new agricultural technologies, we will show the country that Taraba is indeed the primary food source.
What are your top priorities for the next few years in terms of poverty alleviation and economic development in Taraba State?
By 2027 and beyond, poverty in Taraba State will be significantly reduced. When people have access to good food, decent housing, healthcare, and quality education, that’s the foundation for a prosperous life. Governor Kefas has taken significant steps to move Taraba out of poverty. Mark my words—Taraba will be a state that offers support to others, instead of needing assistance.
That’s an ambitious vision. As one of Governor Kefas’s trusted allies, how would you describe him?
Governor Kefas is a true “bulldozer.” He’s a “talk and do” leader with a profound sense of humanity. He has nearly eliminated opposition in Taraba and created an environment of unity. He doesn’t want to see any child struggling to get to school or going hungry. He is dedicated to ensuring that parents who serve the government receive their deserved gratuities, and he’s committed to providing affordable education to all. To me, he’s a transformative leader, and I consider him a saviour for Taraba State.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
