Gombe Hosts Adamawa Governor for Key Infrastructure Commissioning in Balanga

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Tuesday received his counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, for the commissioning of major road and education projects in Balanga Local Government Area.

The visit began with the inauguration of a 33-kilometre road network linking Ture, Sabon Layi, Awak, Dogon Ruwa, Gelengu, and Balanga Gari, including a spur connecting Bakasi, Balansani, and Dasan Buzu. Governor Fintiri also commissioned the Talasse–Degri–Bembelem road, highlighting the growing pace of infrastructure development in the region.

Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership, describing him as focused, visionary, and deeply committed to improving the lives of his people through impactful projects. He noted that the quality of the infrastructure projects signals long-term benefits for communities across the state.

Fintiri further hinted at future collaboration between the two neighboring states, proposing the development of a road linking communities in Adamawa through Shelleng to those in Gombe via Borgu, Dala Waja, and Wala Lunguda. According to him, such connectivity would enhance social ties and stimulate economic growth in border communities.

As part of the visit, the governors also commissioned a Model Almajiri (Tsangaya) School in Bakassi, aimed at expanding access to education and integrating traditional Qur’anic schooling into formal learning systems.

The delegation later inspected an ongoing solar mini-grid project in Talasse, designed to provide electricity to communities that have remained off the national grid for over 15 years. The initiative, implemented through a public-private partnership involving the World Bank, the Gombe State Government, and Balanga Local Government, is expected to generate one megawatt of power and supply electricity to more than 30 communities and approximately 6,000 households.

Project officials disclosed that the facility is nearing completion, with solar panels largely installed and battery systems undergoing regulatory checks. Once operational, the plant is expected to deliver uninterrupted 24-hour electricity, with potential for future expansion.

During their visit, the governors also paid homage to the traditional ruler of the Waja Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed. The monarch commended both leaders for their commitment to inclusive governance and regional cooperation.

In recognition of his contributions to unity and development, Governor Fintiri was conferred with the traditional title of Bachama Waja, meaning Ambassador of the Waja Chiefdom.

In their remarks, both governors reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-state collaboration, particularly in infrastructure development and economic integration, for the overall benefit of their citizens.