To boost food production leading to the social and economic well-being of the people, Gombe State Government has concluded arrangements with development partners to resuscitate the abandoned multi-billion naira Balanga dam.
The disclosure was made by the State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of officials of Waja Progressive Association (WAPA) held in Talasse, headquarters of the council on Saturday.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Inuwa Yahaya revealed the state has gone into collaboration with development partners to commence work at dam site with the aim at resituating the dam for dry season farming.
The Governor remarked that when fully operational, the dam will boost the capacity of the people to engage in an all year agricultural activities to boost food security in the state and improve the economic wellbeing of the state and its people.
Inuwa tasked the people of Balanga being the community hosting the dam to take advantage of it when fully operational.
He said the partners will soon be at the dam site calling on officials of Waja Progressive Association (WAPA) and members of the community to cooperate and work closely with the government and the development partners.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to more developmental projects in Waja land saying that an additional road project to Balanga Gari is almost completed.
He then enjoined the people to support government policies and programs informing them on the need to be peaceful and security conscious at all times.
While congratulated the newly inaugurated WAPA executive members, the representative of the Governor challenged the them to go the extra mile to attract development for the community, the state and the country as a whole.
According to him, “You can go to as far as the United Nations to bring development to Waja land. By this time next year, you will come and give us a report of your achievement.”
Njodi thereafter made a personal donation of the sum of N500,000 to the Association.
He further commend the Balaah Waja for maintaining peace in his chifdom as well as supporting the less prevelege ones at this difficult time praying God to reward him.
Inagurating the new executives, the Balaah Waja, Dr Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed tasked them on team work, unity and dedication to the responsibility bestowed on them appealing to them to ensure the registration drive of all sons and daughters of Waja into the association .
In his acceptance speach, the National President, Waja Progressive Association (WAPA), Lt Col Abdullahi Bello Talasse expressed gratitude to the Waja chiefdom for giving them the opportunity to serve the Association in various capacities.
He assured the entire Waja chiefdom of their unwavering commitment and dedication to serve the Association in the best possible fashion.
Lt col. Abdullahi Bello thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya the Balaah Waja and the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi for their undiluted love and passion to the growth and development of the Waja chiefdom.
The event featured hand a symbolic transportation of leadership. There were good will messages from the Chairman Balanga LGA, the Chairman Board of trustee and Waja traditional Dancers as contained in a statement by Joshua Danmallam, Information Officer, SSG’s office.
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