By Abbas Nazil
The legacy of Nigeria’s late former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, lives on in the highlands of Taraba State, where a single tea plant he sowed decades ago continues to thrive.
On March 26, 1985, during his tenure as Head of State, Buhari planted one of the first tea seedlings at the Kakara Tea Estate in Sardauna Local Government Area — a symbolic act that helped lay the foundation for one of the largest tea plantations in Africa.
Today, that very tree remains rooted in the soil of the Mambilla Plateau, marked by a weathered plaque that bears his name, title, and the date of planting.
It stands quietly among thousands of flourishing tea bushes, a green and growing tribute to a leader whose vision for national development included agriculture as a cornerstone of economic self-reliance.
The Kakara Tea Estate has since grown into a national asset, producing the renowned Highland Tea and Highland Green Tea brands that are now staples in Nigerian households.
Under the management of Mambilla Beverages Nigeria Limited, the estate has become one of the largest employers in the region, supporting thousands of local families and stimulating the rural economy.
Buhari’s planting is remembered not just as a ceremonial gesture, but as the beginning of an enduring legacy — one that continues to provide jobs, drive commerce, and supply high-quality tea to both domestic and international markets.
Located on the mist-covered Mambilla Plateau, the estate spans thousands of hectares and benefits from a climate ideally suited for tea cultivation.
The cool temperatures and rich soils make it one of the few viable locations for large-scale tea farming in West Africa.
Visitors to the estate often pause at the plaque beneath the historic tree, reflecting on how a single act in 1985 contributed to decades of agricultural and industrial growth.
General Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, left behind a complex legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism.
While many will remember him for his policies and leadership style, others will look to places like Kakara — where a living tree continues to tell his story.
His contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, especially through projects like this, serves as a reminder that leadership rooted in nation-building can bear fruit for generations.
As Nigeria reflects on his life and service, the Kakara Tea Estate stands as a symbol of what enduring legacy looks like — not carved in stone, but growing leaf by leaf in the heart of Taraba.
