A development advocate has called on retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma to spearhead large-scale investment in cocoa and palm oil production to stimulate long-term economic development in Taraba State.
The call was made in an open letter written on Tuesday by the Executive Director of the United Homeland Development Initiative (UHDI), Emmanuel Iranyang Yakubu, and addressed to the former Chief of Army Staff.
Yakubu highlighted what he described as a sharp disparity between Taraba State’s rich agricultural endowment and the persistent poverty faced by many of its inhabitants.
He said the state stretches from the fertile lowlands of the southern zone to the highlands of the Mambilla Plateau, with extensive arable land suitable for cocoa, palm oil, coffee and tea cultivation.
According to him, Taraba is home to the only tea-producing belt in West Africa, a feature he said gives the state strategic economic significance beyond Nigeria.
Despite these natural advantages,
Yakubu noted that youth unemployment remains high, while many small holder farmers operate without access to structured markets, processing facilities or export-oriented value chains. He added that several communities “sit on wealth they cannot convert into opportunity.”
Describing Danjuma as one of Taraba’s most prominent sons and a leading philanthropist, Yakubu appealed for what he termed “catalytic support” to revive cocoa and palm oil value chains in the state.
He cited international examples, saying palm oil development was instrumental in transforming Malaysia’s economy, while cocoa has generated sustained wealth in parts of Africa and Latin America.
The letter further stated that cocoa and palm oil plantations are long-term economic assets capable of supporting families and communities for generations, while also contributing to land restoration and improved climate resilience.
Yakubu argued that a foundation-backed pilot project or a public endorsement by Danjuma could unlock broader investment, mobilise key institutions and restore hope among young people in Taraba State.
He stressed that the appeal was not political, but generational, adding that it was a call for partnership, mentorship and strategic backing rather than charity.