Taraba State: An Emerging Tourist’s Delight and Destination

Taraba State: An Emerging Tourist’s Delight and Destination 

H.E Governor Agbu Kefas (Right) Founder, La Campagne Tropicana Agro Ecotourism Heritage Resort (Middle) and Hon. Commissioner, Taraba State Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism, Rev. Joseph Titus Nagombe

 

The allure of Taraba State, is so overwhelming that a visit becomes a temptation to explore, discover and unravel more. Actually, the nature-rich state, is a hidden treasure that has long been concealed from most Nigerians and the world at large. That’s because, a simple journey around Taraba state leaves an outstanding impression on a tourist’s mind, about this nature’s paradise. And then suddenly, one realizes that it is totally a disservice and half truth to say that Taraba state is the home of nature. Ofcouse, the state is certainly more than that! Rather, it is better to describe Taraba state, as an endowment of a blessed land that drips in the honeycomb of ecotourism potential and an overwhelming natural resources that makes one wonder where the original Garden of Eden was located!

A land rich with rivers that run from one end of the state to another, criss-crossing the rich vegetation that characterizes every part of the sixteen local government areas of the state. Taraba state is a beauty that mesmerizes the beholder, seduces the traveller, beckoning on him or her to stop, settle down and enjoy.

From the lush greenery that greets a visitor coming in through the bordering villages of Nasarawa state by the Donga River, Taraba state is a land of much amazement. Like a mysterious story with much revelation, with each part of the state having a story that unfolds a new ‘nature’ story.

Take for instance the Mambilla Plateau, a place with weather that can be likened to that of Europe. If you thought such can only be seen at Obudu cattle ranch, or Jos, then you got it wrong. Here, people are drawn to the Mambilla Plateau for its cool climate, which offers a refreshing break from Nigeria’s hot, tropical weather, and more.

Gashaka Gumti National Park is another tourist haven to behold. Along with Kashimbilla games reserve. Nature smiles at every corner, that a tourist turns to, in Taraba State with its hills, waterfall, wildlife and also more to see.

You will definitely love Gembu, a town that sits in the southeastern part of Taraba State, ideal location one would say, for nature lovers, great cool weather like Jos too.

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I guess it became so natural for the incumbent Executive Governor of Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas, on assumption of office, to take advantage of the natural endowment of Taraba State, by extending its development frontiers through its rich eco-tourism, heritage, among other sectors.

Governor Agbu Kefas recognised just too well that the strength of Taraba people is in their agricultural prowess! In case you don’t know it, Taraba State is more or less, a huge farmland, rich in agricultural produce and mineral resources! And the people are celebrated farmers! Every available land is cultivated. No wonder food is in relative abundance in the state, with festivals that celebrates the fishing and agricultural prowess of the state.

Governor Agbu Kefas’ love for eco-tourism and heritage, hit the right cord with Tourism Icon, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of LA CAMPAGNE AGRO ECOTOURISM HERITAGE RESORT BRAND, using agriculture to Promote Tourism and Tourism to promote agriculture, which led the government into the establishment of 5 strategic agro ecotourism, heritage resort development locations in the state. Among these are Ibi, Nwonyo lake, Zongo Kombi where work kick-started a month and a half weeks ago on the 100 Hectares land space, with road construction and large scale farming. This particular land space is different from the other hectares of land allocated in each of the other identified zones.

And this indeed is a welcome move because it will enhance an unprecedented high number of traffic into the state, enhancing the availability of what another tourism writer, has ably described as, the ‘tourism dollar’ into the state.

Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, a known technocrat when it comes to security, entertainment and tourism, is leaving no stone unturned, as his organization has already commenced a massive employment of indigenes of the state, with training already in progress, to fast track the humongous project of developing 5 new tourism locations in the state.

And for tourists, the best part of Taraba State, is it’s capital city Jalingo, a miniature of what the entire state represents. Farmlands are everywhere in the city, domesticated and wrapped around the societal fabric of the city and people.

Jalingo is the home of politicians, businessmen and women, civil servants, and the states headquarters of trade and commerce.

Jalingo may not be in a huge hurry to wake in the mornings as Lagos does, with its over population, nonetheless, Jalingo, Taraba state capital, does not sleep early!

With an appreciable number of hotels namely: Star exclusive hotel, Grand shield hotel, Akhei luxury hotel, Fast track hotel, Blue Nile Suites and Taraba state stadium hotel, to mention but a few, Jalingo bubbles with ease. Comfortable accommodation with room rates which ranges from 10,000 naira to the more luxurious hotels that charges as much as 250.000 naira, per night, are available, The landscape view from most of the hotel rooms, comforts the pocket, as one explores the city’s alternative social spots such as recreational gardens, lounges, restaurants and drinking spots.

The city hub itself is the roadblock where all roads lead to places in jalingo. Socializing also extends to Taraba Museum, the civil service club and a place known as Hangout. But the celebrated new socio-cultural hangout and recreational place to be currently, obviously is now the new LA CAMPAGNE  TROPICANA AGRO ECOTOURISM HERITAGE RESORT, with its formidable Yor’ubar that merges the hip, the classic and the gen z. It is a cultural innovation in a city that trends several ethnic groups in a cosmopolitan setting.

La Campagne Tropicana Agro Ecotourism Heritage Resort, Nigeria’s First ever, blends everything that is unique to the average Citizen of Taraba state, together with visitors to the state, accommodating the social taste of all, while at the same time promoting wealth creation among the youths, the middle aged and retirees. Here, the rich traditional cuisines of Taraba state, namely, Tuwo Shinkafa, Tuwo Masara, pounded yam, miyan kuka, fisherman Soup, and continental dishes, are cooked and served as you watch, while being entertained with African drums, indigenous, history-laced songs and dances.

It is about the only social place that blends and celebrates the different ethnic cultures of the people through showcasing of their traditional colourful attires at its Yor’ubar. If you are from any of these ethnic groups, Vute, Fulani, Hausa and Ndola, Mumuyes, Mambila, Karimjo, Wurkums, Jenjo,Kuteb, Chamba, Yandang,  Jukun, Ichen, Tiv, Kaka, Pena, Kambu, Kodei, Wawa, you immediately identify with the Yor’ubar once you get there!

LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA AGRO ECOTOURISM HERITAGE RESORT, the latest attraction in Jalingo, was thrown into the city’s limelight as the First ever in the country, just about a week and half ago, when the Executive Governor of the state, Governor Agbu Kefas, visited with some of his Commissioners and business community to access the progress of the project.

The beauty of it all is that, Governor Agbu Kefas is fast unraveling Taraba State to Nigerians and the global community. However, seeing is believing. You can’t totally enjoy what you are not physically present to see, feel and touch. Therefore a visit to Taraba state is now a must!

With the vision of the incumbent Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Taraba State, is hurriedly emerging as the first eco-tourism destination point in Nigeria that equally celebrates heritage.