By Rikwense Muri

Today marks a defining moment in the history of Taraba State and indeed Nigeria, as the Prime Minister of Grenada, His Excellency Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell, arrives in Jalingo on a state visit. His coming is not just a diplomatic courtesy; it is a bold statement of global confidence in the emerging potential of Taraba under the leadership of Governor Dr Agbu Kefas.

With this visit, Taraba becomes the first sub-national government in Nigeria to attract the direct attention and partnership of the Grenadian government. It is, without doubt, a historic and heartwarming development — one that reflects the growing international relevance of our dear state.

Barely a week ago, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development announced its first-ever direct investment in a sub-national entity since its creation — and that entity is Taraba State. This twin development is no coincidence. It shows that something profound is happening in Taraba: a silent but steady transformation built on trust, peace, and a vision for sustainable development. It also demonstrates that the world is beginning to see what we in Taraba have always known — that we are a land of immense promise.

Taraba, fondly called Nature’s Gift to the Nation, is blessed beyond measure. From the breathtaking Mambilla Plateau to the rolling Benue Valley, from our fertile farmlands to our teeming rivers, from the rich cultural diversity of our people to the peace-loving communities that dot our landscape — Taraba is a state designed by nature for greatness. Our comparative advantage in agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, and human capital development makes us a beacon of hope for investors and development partners. What we need — and what this partnership with Grenada represents — is the right bridge between potential and prosperity.

Interestingly, Grenada, often referred to as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, shares several similarities with Taraba. Both are richly endowed with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a proud agricultural heritage. Grenada’s mastery in cultivating and exporting spices such as nutmeg, cocoa, and mace mirrors Taraba’s own strength in tea, coffee, cocoa, rice, and other crops. Both regions boast breathtaking landscapes and a warm, resilient people known for their hospitality. But perhaps the most striking similarity lies in the shared aspiration for peace and inclusive development. Grenada has managed to maintain unity in diversity, fostering a peaceful coexistence among its people — a lesson Taraba can tap into as we continue to consolidate on peacebuilding and inter-communal harmony.

This partnership opens vast avenues of mutual benefit. In agriculture, both regions can collaborate in value-chain development — from cultivation and processing to packaging and export. In tourism, Taraba can learn from Grenada’s model of community-based and eco-friendly tourism that generates income while preserving cultural identity. In health, cooperation can focus on capacity building, exchange of expertise, and rural health innovations. In commerce and trade, Taraba can become Grenada’s strategic gateway into West Africa’s 400-million-person market, while Grenada offers Taraba access to Caribbean and global value chains. And in peacebuilding, Grenada’s inclusive governance model can inspire Taraba’s ongoing reconciliation and social cohesion efforts.

This is why the visit of Prime Minister Mitchell is more than symbolic — it represents a new paradigm of partnership that goes beyond federal diplomacy. It shows that sub-national governments can now shape their destinies through direct engagement with the global community. It is also a clear validation of Governor Agbu Kefas’ strategic vision to position Taraba as a center of peace, tourism, and agribusiness excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

The task before both sides now is to move from handshake to action — to convert goodwill into tangible projects, investment frameworks, and people-to-people exchanges. The time to act is now. As Taraba opens its doors to Grenada, we must build a future anchored on shared values: peace, progress, and prosperity.

As we welcome Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and his team to the gentle hills and warm smiles of Taraba, we do so with deep pride and optimism. May this visit mark the beginning of a lasting friendship between Taraba and Grenada — a bond that unites Africa and the Caribbean, not only in trade and tourism but also in spirit and solidarity.

Welcome to Taraba, Your Excellency — the land of peace, promise, and endless possibilities.

Amb Rikwense Muri
President, STYCOP Peace Project, Taraba State, Nigeria
13th October 2025

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Joshua Ishaku Apajukun

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