Heyoo, my people. Simon Zaku here.
Let me tell you one of my favorite stories...
Picture this (a fun trip of me en route Dampar, my hometown :):
Some time ago while visiting Dampar, my hometown in Ibi Local Government, Taraba State, a small boat drifting down the river, a 13-year-old boy—barely old enough to have his voice crack—paddling with concentration.
This wasn’t some luxury cruise we all see on Instagram and YouTube.
No, this young fisherman was hard at work, and he was skilled.
The kind of skill that only comes from years of practice and/or apprenticeship.
At that moment, something hit me hard.
Here’s this young boy with so much potential and energy, navigating his way through the water with precision and ease.
But his reality?
That's how he gets to eat. Fishing is the number 1 food eaten and exported or business. As it is a little island (Yes, surrounded by water)
You can't get to my hometown, Dampar except by boat.
The town is a gem, hidden from the world.
And, just like that, IBIFoundry was born in my heart.
You see, for over a decade, I have been involved in digital marketing and SEO—helping brands grow online.
But something kept calling me back to my roots.
This dream was not just about helping myself or my clients; it was about showcasing the uncelebrated stories, the untapped potential, and the goldmine of opportunities here in Ibi and Taraba State.
And this isn’t just for us Nigerians. We’re welcoming everyone—foreign investors, NGOs, visionaries, and anyone who wants to be part of an incredible transformation, IbiFoundry.
Why Invest in Nigeria? Top Reasons Ibi, Taraba State Should Be on Your Radar
Let’s talk about investment opportunities.
5 Hidden Reasons to Invest in Nigeria’s Untapped Gem: Taraba State
If you’ve been looking at investment opportunities in Nigeria, you might hear about places like Lagos or Abuja.
How about Taraba State? You’d be surprised at how many Nigerians themselves don’t know much about this beautiful, growing state. It’s as if Taraba is a hidden treasure tucked away in plain sight. Here are five secret reasons why Taraba is a golden investment opportunity, and why it’s worth more attention.
1. Taraba State is A “Not-So-Famous” Treasure (Why That’s a Good Thing)
If you’re familiar with Nigeria’s well-known regions, you might not know much about Taraba State.
In fact, many Nigerians do a double-take when you say “Taraba.”
It’s often met with “Where’s that?” — especially from residents of cities like Lagos or Ibadan. But that’s exactly what makes it so valuable for investment.
Taraba is like an undiscovered goldmine, a place that hasn’t yet been overrun by big-city costs, overcrowding, or endless competition. Here, there’s a growing space for fresh businesses, innovative projects, and infrastructure development, all set in a region that’s still finding its feet on the national map.
In Taraba, you’re not just joining the crowd—you’re setting the pace.
This is where you can enter the ground floor before it becomes a buzzing hub, and early investors often reap the highest rewards when growth takes off.
2. Affordable Cost of Living (With Insanely Cheap Food!)
If you’re investing in a place, you need to think about the sustainability of running your business or project there. And in Taraba, one thing’s certain: food is plentiful and incredibly affordable. Thanks to our rich soil and strong agricultural practices, farming is a way of life here.
This year alone, we’ve seen record-breaking harvests, with bumper crops filling local markets with fresh produce at prices unheard of in other parts of Nigeria.
Think about it—lower food and living costs mean lower operating costs for businesses. Imagine running a team or opening a production center where your expenses stay low, and you get the best quality produce right on your doorstep.
Plus, when your workers are well-fed and costs are kept manageable, everyone benefits. Taraba’s food affordability offers a distinct advantage that savvy investors can capitalize on.
3. The Upcoming Ibi Bridge (Access to Countless Opportunities)
And now, let’s talk about infrastructure. Right now, if you’re by the riverside in Ibi, you’ll see young men and boys guiding their canoes along the water.
Ibi Local Government sits at the heart of Taraba State, and with the ongoing Ibi bridge project—linking Taraba to Abuja and Plateau states—the doors for development are about to burst wide open.
It is also going to be one of the longest bridges in Nigeria.
This isn’t some “in-the-future” talk. The groundwork is already laid.
Imagine lands, properties, and resources right by the river, accessible to the hub of Northern Nigeria.
Ten years from now, when the bridge is completed, Ibi will be the place to be.
It’s a powerful image, but also a reminder that the area is ripe for more accessible transport solutions. The government is currently building a bridge that will connect Taraba to major neighboring states, including Abuja and Plateau.
What does this mean for investors? Once that bridge is complete, Ibi—and Taraba as a whole—will have easier access to larger markets, more trade, and an influx of both goods and people. Imagine holding land or property here now and watching its value soar as soon as that bridge opens.
This kind of transformative infrastructure is rare, and the bridge is just one piece of the puzzle that will make Taraba a go-to place for commerce and trade.
4. Endless Sunshine (Perfect for Solar Power Investments)
There’s something about the Taraba sun. LOL!
On a typical day, you can expect 7-9 hours of bright, consistent sunlight, making it ideal for solar energy.
Data shows that northern Nigeria, including Taraba, gets about 1,800 hours of sunlight each year—a significant resource waiting to be tapped into.
Imagine the potential for solar farms, renewable energy startups, or even community-based solar projects.
In a country where electricity is often a challenge, Taraba’s abundant sun presents an opportunity to produce sustainable, reliable energy.
"Our National Grid Dey Play" (Pidgin English)
For investors interested in renewable energy, Taraba is like an untouched solar paradise, and harnessing this resource could mean huge returns, both financially and environmentally.
5. A Growing Population with Potential - 3 Million+
Taraba might not be as famous as Lagos or Abuja, but it’s home to over 3 million people—and that number is steadily growing.
This is a young population, full of untapped talent and eager minds, ready to learn, work, and innovate. There’s a powerful potential here to build businesses and projects that not only benefit from this workforce but also invest in it.
With more educational programs, businesses, and infrastructure, Taraba’s young and dynamic population could become one of the strongest in the country.
As an investor, this means you have a chance to create an impact, build loyalty, and grow your business with people who are excited about new opportunities. You’re not just investing in a location; you’re investing in the future of a community that’s ready to work with you.
Those who saw this vision early will have the returns to show for it.
You don’t need millions to be an IbiFounder with us.
In fact, we believe that everyone has something to offer. You can register with any amount you feel led to give, and once you’re in, you’re part of the IBI Foundry family.
Or if you don't, I pray God blesses you.
Whether you’re Nigerian or from the other side of the world, there’s a place for you at IBI Foundry.
Let’s build the future—together.
Once more, I'm Simon Taki Zaku, from Ibi, Taraba State, founder and CEO, of IbiFoundry Group.
What do you think?
Ready to be part of this journey? Send us a message to reserve your spot, IbiFounder.
(Every IBIFoundry partner or donor is called an "IbiFounder")
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