As parts of effort to boost food production and economic well-being of the people, Gombe State Government has concluded plans to collaborate with development partners to resuscitate the famous Balanga dam.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya gave the hint during the inauguration of officials of Waja Progressive Association in Talasse on Saturday.
Represented by the Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Governor Yahaya said already the state in collaboration with development partners will soon commence work at Dam site with the aim of putting the dam to a full scale dry season farming activities to ensure sustainable food security and urged the people of the area and beyond to take advantage of the initiative.
He said the partners will soon be at the site and tasked the officials of Waja Progressive Association WAPA and members to cooperate and work closely with the Government and the development partners.
Governor Yahaya who reiterated his commitment for more developmental projects in Waja land said an additional Road project to Balanga Gari is almost completed and enjoined the people to support government policies and programs informing them the need to be Peaceful and security conscious always.
While pledging N500,000 to the association the governor congratulated the newly inaugurated WAPA executives, challenging them to go the extra mile to attract development “from the community, the state, the Federal and as far as United nations to the area. “By this time next year you will come and give us a report of your achievement,” he said.
He further commended the Balaah Waja for maintaining peace in his chiefdom as well as supporting the less privileged ones at this difficult time notting that government is aware of all his efforts and prayed God to reward him.
Inaugurating the new executives, the Balah Waja Dr Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed, tasked them on team work, unity and dedication to the responsibility vested in them charging them to ensure the registration drive of all sons and daughters of Waja into the association adding that positions to WAPA executive will be keenly contested after the expiration of the present excos tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the National President Waja Progressive Association WAPA Lt Col Abdullahi Bello Talasse (retd.) presented himself for service to the people soliciting for the support of all Waja people whom are known for hard work, courage and peaceful disposition to enable them succeed.
“Waja Progressive Association WAPA under my leadership will initiate programs that will bring about development upon which our great association was formed,” he added.
While appreciating the Waja people for the confidence response in him and his team to lead the association in the next four years Bello Talasse also express gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa for sending a high powered Government delegation led by the SGS to attend the historic event and praised the Governor’s developmental projects in the area calling on the people to continually support government policies and programs.
The event featured handing and taking over of mantle of leadership from the immediate past Chairman , good will messages from the Chairman Balanga LGA, the Chairman Board of trustee and Waja traditional dances.
JD
IO
SGS’ office
