Taraba State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Dinshiya David Usman, has pledged to transform the agricultural sector and embark on extensive rural road construction if elected governor in 2027.
Usman said his administration would prioritize agriculture as a major tool for job creation, economic growth and empowerment of farmers across the state.
He also promised to open up rural communities through the construction of feeder roads to ease the transportation of farm produce and improve access to farming areas.
The PDP aspirant made the promises in Jalingo during a visit to the state PDP secretariat led by the Tanimu Turaki faction. The visit coincided with his formal declaration to contest the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State.
Speaking during the declaration, Usman noted that Taraba possesses enormous agricultural and mineral resources spread across its 16 local government areas, stressing that proper government investment in the sectors would create employment opportunities for residents and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
“We are blessed with rich agricultural land (over four million hectares of available land, of which only about one point five million has ever been cultivated), hydrology (major rivers like the Benue, Taraba, Katsina Ala and Nwonyo Ox Bow Lake), abundant mineral resources (over forty two diverse occurrence in commercial quantity), breathtaking tourist attractions, diverse cultures, hardworking men and women, talented youths, and a people whose resilience and determination have never failed in the face of adversity.
“Yet, in the face of these overwhelming blessings, majority of our people continue to struggle and live in abject conditions, too many young people remain unemployed, too many farmers lack the support they need to thrive, too many roads remain deplorable and impassable,” he said.
Usman further lamented the condition of healthcare facilities in the state, saying many hospitals and clinics had been neglected, while several businesses had either collapsed or were struggling to survive.
According to him, many residents are increasingly asking when Taraba would finally realize its full potential.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering belief in the greatness of our beloved state, from the rolling hills of the Mambilla Plateau, in Sardauna to the fertile plains of Wukari, from the bustling markets of Jalingo to the galaxy of opportunities in the communities of Takum, Bali, Gashaka, Karim Lamido, Lau, Zing, Yorro, Ardo-Kola, Donga, Ussa, Kurmi and every corner of our state, one truth remains clear. Taraba is blessed beyond measure,” he stated.
The governorship hopeful said his decision to join the race followed wide consultations with stakeholders, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, professionals, party faithful and community leaders across the state.
“After extensive consultations with stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers, women, youths, professionals, party faithful, and concerned citizens across our state and beyond, and after deep reflection and prayer, I, Dinshiya David Usman, hereby formally declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Taraba State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 gubernatorial election,” he added.
