By OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO 

A renowned Jalingo-based building materials merchant, Chief Uchenna Obidiukwu, recently appointed as a Special Adviser (SA) in the cabinet of Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, has pledged to empower young people in the state through business training.  

 
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Chief Obi, popularly known as Uche Obi, described it as a motivation to further contribute to the development of Taraba. Speaking exclusively with our correspondent in Jalingo, he vowed to positively impact the lives of young people by equipping them with essential trading skills.  

"I am committed to ensuring that Taraba youths are empowered to become self-reliant through skill acquisition and business development," he stated.  

Chief Obi, the CEO of Uche Obi Investment (Nig) Ltd, highlighted some of his past contributions to the state. "By God's grace, I have assisted many individuals in becoming homeowners and business owners, including filling station proprietors. I also established Redstars International School (RIS) in Jalingo, where orphans receive scholarships and financial support to ease their burdens."  

The businessman, who has numerous investments and projects across Taraba, was among the 746 individuals recently appointed by Governor Kefas as Special Advisers (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and Special Assistants (SAs).  

An Anambra-born entrepreneur of Igbo descent, Obi revealed that he was appointed as SA on Building Materials. He expressed deep appreciation for Taraba, calling it a blessing to him and his family.  

"My journey to Taraba was divinely orchestrated. In my line of business, I have provided job opportunities to thousands of young people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. I work with serious-minded individuals who are committed to improving their lives and those of their families," he emphasized.  

As an adviser to the governor, Obi pledged to collaborate with fellow appointees in offering meaningful recommendations that align with Governor Kefas’s development agenda.  

"Now that I have been recognized as part of the governor’s team, I will ensure I do not disappoint him. I will justify the confidence reposed in me by contributing to the state's growth," he assured.  

He also urged Taraba residents to avoid baseless criticism of government policies and instead engage in constructive feedback.  

"Criticism, when destructive, leads to failure. Let us support Governor Agbu Kefas, be patient with his administration, and pray for his success because he genuinely has good intentions for the people," Obi concluded.