Kefas Deepens Origin Tech, Stanbic Partnership to Boost Taraba Farming

Governor Kefas made this known today, October 14, 2025, when he received the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, and the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Wole Adeniyi, alongside other senior officials at the Government House in Jalingo.

The visit followed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier signed on October 5, 2025, in Lagos between the Taraba State Government and Origin Tech Group, with Stanbic IBTC Bank serving as the financial partner. The agreement aims to accelerate the Taraba Accelerated Agriculture and Rural Development Scheme (TAARDS) — a major initiative launched by the Kefas administration to boost food production, create jobs, and connect rural communities through modern infrastructure and mechanized farming.

Governor Kefas reaffirmed his commitment to the agricultural transformation agenda, describing agriculture as the backbone of Taraba’s economy and a crucial path toward economic self-reliance.

“Our partnership with Origin Tech Group and Stanbic IBTC Bank is not just about farming; it is about transforming livelihoods and making Taraba a leading hub for agricultural production in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the collaboration aligns perfectly with his vision to modernize the state’s farming systems, support rural farmers with improved technology, and open up new frontiers for agribusiness investments across the 16 local government areas of the state.

According to the Governor, the TAARDS programme is designed to empower thousands of farmers through access to financing, modern tools, fertilizers, and road networks that would link farming communities to local and national markets.

“With this scheme, we want to ensure that no farmer is left behind. Taraba will feed not only itself but contribute to national food security,” Kefas emphasized.

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On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Wole Adeniyi, commended the Taraba State Government for its visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach to agricultural development.

He announced that the bank would go beyond financing by directly supporting social development initiatives in Taraba.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility, Stanbic IBTC will adopt a school within Jalingo to renovate, equip, and bring it to modern standards,” Adeniyi stated.

This announcement was warmly received, drawing applause from government officials and community leaders present at the meeting.

In a show of solidarity, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, Chairman of Origin Tech Group, pledged to work with Stanbic IBTC on the Adopt-A-School Project to complement the government’s efforts in improving education and empowering local communities.

“Our role extends beyond agriculture. We want to contribute to human capital development because education and agriculture go hand in hand in shaping the future of any society,” he said.

The meeting, which was marked by a strong sense of partnership and mutual respect, ended with renewed assurances from both corporate partners to swiftly implement the provisions of the MoU and ensure visible results within the shortest possible time.

Governor Kefas, while closing the session, expressed optimism that the combined expertise of Origin Tech Group and Stanbic IBTC Bank would accelerate the actualization of his administration’s development blueprint.

“This partnership will touch every local government area, improve farmers’ incomes, and bring about food sufficiency across Taraba State,” he assured.

In the coming weeks, technical teams from both organizations are expected to arrive in Taraba to begin the rollout phase of the TAARDS initiative, focusing on high-impact areas such as irrigation, access roads, farm inputs, and training of farmers on sustainable mechanized practices.

The Taraba government has also expressed readiness to provide full administrative support, including land allocation, local manpower mobilization, and logistics, to ensure the project’s success.

Observers say this latest move could make Taraba one of the most agriculturally vibrant states in the North East, positioning it as a model for integrated rural development and agribusiness investment in Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, who signed the statement, described the partnership as “a major leap toward achieving Governor Kefas’ vision of a productive and self-sustaining Taraba.”