More than 300 youths from Taraba State who participated in an Agricultural Skills Development Programme sponsored by the state government have expressed frustration over what they describe as abandonment, more than a year after completing their training.
The youths were selected from the state’s 16 local government areas and taken to Lafia, Nasarawa State, in June 2025 for a 14-day agricultural training programme organized through the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to the participants, they were promised a daily allowance of N50,000, startup kits, startup capital, and an opportunity for the top 50 trainees to travel to India for advanced training in seed technology.
Speaking to our correspondent in Jalingo on Monday, some of the participants, who requested anonymity for fear of victimization, alleged that the promises made during the programme have not been fulfilled.
They claimed that each trainee received only N50,000 in cash after spending about a week at the training camp, contrary to the N50,000 daily allowance they said had been promised.
The youths also questioned why a total of N15 million was reportedly transported in cash from Jalingo to Lafia and demanded clarification on the balance of their allowances.
They appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and ensure that the objectives of the programme are not undermined.
The participants said the governor’s good intentions should not be frustrated by individuals whose actions could jeopardize the programme.
Responding to the allegations, the Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Prof. Engr. Nicholas Oliver Namessan, said the ministry remains committed to the programme and to supporting the beneficiaries.
In a statement issued through the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kwarve Eric, the commissioner said the government successfully organized and funded the training programme, which equipped the youths with valuable agricultural knowledge and practical skills.
He said: “First, it is important to acknowledge that the Ministry under the leadership of a great Agriculturist and in line with reform policies of His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas, successfully organized and funded the training of 300 young Tarabans in Lafia, Nasarawa State, providing them with valuable agricultural knowledge and practical skills. This achievement demonstrates the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural development.”
On the proposed India training programme, Namessan explained that the selection process and sponsorship arrangements changed due to technical requirements and agreements with partner institutions.
According to him: “Regarding the India training programme, selection criteria and sponsorship arrangements evolved based on qualify candidates availability, technical requirements and agreements with partner institutions. Such decisions are often guided by programme objectives rather than personal considerations.”
The commissioner maintained that the ministry has neither denied the existence of the programme nor withdrawn its commitment to participants.
He noted that administrative and financial procedures can sometimes take longer than expected, especially during periods of budget constraints and shifting government priorities.
Namessan further stated: “The Commissioner and the Ministry of Agriculture remain committed to Governor Agbu Kefas agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and the development of Taraba State. The concerns of participants are legitimate and deserve attention, but they should be addressed based on facts, transparency, and due process.”
He urged members of the public to allow the ministry provide a detailed update on the programme and measures being taken to address outstanding issues and obligations.
