“Leadership is the ability to define issues without aggravating problems.”Warren Bennis, c 1980. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 125).

By Dele Sobowale

It is like a marriage made in Heaven which invariably produces great results. When Governor of Taraba State told me in November last year that his state capital, Jalingo, will in about three weeks, enjoy direct flight from Lagos, through Abuja, it sounded like one of those political promises “made to be broken” (apologies to Jonathan Swift, 1667-1745). Given the short period he had been in office, in one of the poorest states in the nation, and being distracted by his political adversaries, it would appear that sealing a deal with an airline to start operating a flight to Jalingo would be almost impossible.

File: Plane

Wonders never seize to happen – especially when the electorate, in any state, has had the good sense to elect the right leader at a most troublesome time – one who could calmly face the future and boldly address the strategic needs of the state. Taraba State’s full entry into the Age of Aviation, at this time is testimony to the good sense of the people of Taraba state and the right person to lead them. The Governor could not have done it alone without the cooperation and foresight of arguably the most daring airline in Nigeria today – OVERLAND AIRWAYS.

The airline had in the last ten years been extending its services to states which had been disregarded by more conservative operators. In many respects, it was as if the managers of OVERLAND were convinced that sooner or later the people of this country would come to realize that there is no alternative to the deliberate diversification of the Nigerian economy. And when the time comes, states like Taraba sitting on vast resources of potentials for agricultural and solid minerals development, as well as tourism, would become prime targets for investors.

Hitherto, one of the major obstacles facing potential investors with interest in Taraba state had been transport. The nearest airport to the state is Yola – understandable because Adamawa and Taraba states were once under the same state called GONGOLA, with headquarters at Yola/Jimeta. The break-up of the largest state in Nigeria, at the time, into two left Taraba without an airport and must have contributed to its economic under-development. Why all the former governors, military and civilian did not perceive the strategic importance of aviation, until now, is difficult to explain.

But, nobody who ever suffered through the three and a half hours journey from Yola to Jalingo wanted to try it again – unless the stakes are extremely enormous or they had no choice. Suddenly, Taraba state can put all those handicaps behind it and march forward into economic prosperity based on the ingenuity, the hard work and the resources of the people and a committed, inspired and focused leadership. The obvious question is: what awaits the inquisitive and potential investor? As some one who had lived and worked in Gongola State in the 1980s,

Taraba offers almost unlimited potentials for livestock farming, cattle ranches, fresh milk production, near temperate zone agricultural enterprises, spring water production, hydro-electricity, solar power, as well as untapped solid mineral deposits. Up on the Manbilla Hills the scope for tourism is probably unequalled in Nigeria. For millions of professional mountain and hill climbers, driving up to Gembu, the last settlement in Nigeria, and the highest from sea level, presents a breath-taking panorama which would keep nature lovers coming back for more. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful area in this country than the stretch of road leading from Mutum Biu up to Gembu.

Properly exploited Taraba State from Jalingo to Wukari/Takum to Katsina-Ala could make the country self-sufficient in food production. With air services fresh milk can be delivered to choice supermarkets and hotels in Abuja, Lagos, Portharcourt and other state capitals which can be reached by air. As it is, a traveler starting from Jalingo will reach Lagos before the one starting from Akure, Benin or Ilorin. Progressive change cannot be more aptly defined than that.

Finally, economic development and peace go in tandem. Taraba State is one of the most peaceful states in the Federation. Being tucked in one corner has its advantages; but that advantage has also been worked upon by previous governments and the present administration has built on that legacy of peaceful co-existence among various religious and ethnic groups. It is really a state where “you can go to sleep with your two eyes closed.” (Apologies to Professor Chukwumah Soludo; former CBN Governor).

N.B. Flights are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Lagos.