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William Attah
The ancient town of Talasse, headquaters of Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State came alive as sons and daughters, as well as high profile dignitaries from across the country gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Alhaji Mohammad Danjuma Mohammad on the throne of Balaa Waja.
The celebration also highlighted the peaceful coexistence among the people during the reign of the current Monarch as captured by different speakers during the ceremony.
Balaa Waja is the paramount traditional ruler of the Waja speaking tribe, one of the major ethnic nationalities in Gombe State and Alhaji Mohammad, the 5th monarch to ascend the throne of his ancestors attributed the prevailing peace in the land during his reign to every Waja son and daughter.
The historic silver jubilee celebration which took place on Saturday 1st August, 2026 at the Talasse township Stadium highlighted the Monarch’s 25 years of leadership, commitment to peace, preservation of the Waja cultural heritage, and socio-economic development of the chiefdom.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the occasion, the State Deputy Governor, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, described the reign of Alhaji Mohammad as one marked by peace, stability, and unwavering commitment to the development of the Waja Chiefdom.
He commended the traditional ruler for his exemplary leadership and consistent support for Government policies and programmes, noting that the cordial relationship between the traditional institution and the State Government has accelerated development in the area.
“It is gratifying to note the significant improvements witnessed across your Chiefdom, particularly in the areas of road construction.
“Your Highness may remember that access to Talasse, where your palace is, was from only one access road, but now there are access roads from Maraban Kulani, Ture, Billiri and Kwarghe.
“The electricity infrastructure, the solar project in Talasse town and Balanga Dam Hydro Power Project, as well as the reconstruction of canals for irrigation farming, are worthwhile developments that will positively impact our people”, Manasseh Jatau stated.
Jatau explained that “these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of traditional institutions such as yours. You have consistently provided the leadership required to ensure that Government policies and development initiatives enjoy the acceptance and cooperation of your people”.
He then urged the monarch to sustain the campaigns against illicit substance abuse and other social vices within the Chiefdom while calling on parents to closely monitor their children.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Balanga Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Salihu Jatau, and Chairman of the Silver jubilee celebration, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka (rtd), described the celebration as a testament to the Monarch’s commitment to peace, unity and development of the Waja Chiefdom while commending Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his love and commitment to the Waja people.
“The citing of the one-megawatt solar mini-grid in Talasse which ended the over 15 years of darkness, the Gelengu Hydropower project, rehabilitation of irrigation canals, investments in education and healthcare, and empowerment programmes are well appreciated by the people”, the LG Chairman stated.
They appealed to the State Government to facilitate the establishment of a tertiary institution in the Chiefdom and the rehabilitation of the Kwarghe-Talasse road.
Father of the day during the ceremony, Hon Japhet Ajiya Gejere, praised the enduring peace enjoyed in the area, attributing it to the Balaa Waja’s leadership and urged sons and daughters of Waja land to continue supporting the traditional institution through patriotism and unity.
In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammad Danjuma Mohammad, the fifth Balaa Waja and Chairman of the Waja Traditional Council, thanked God almighty for his protection and blessings throughout his 25 years on the throne.
He attributed the success recorded since his enthronement in 2021 to the support and cooperation of the people of the Chiefdom.
The Monarch called on the people to continue living in peace and unity, preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Waja people and support Government policies and programmes to attract more development to the area.
He also expressed profound appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his commitment to the development of the Waja Chiefdom and reaffirmed the support of the traditional institution and the people for the success of the administration.
The celebration featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, the symbolic release of pigeons to signify 25 years of peaceful reign, a colourful durbar procession, the opening of royal dishes, traditional dances and other cultural displays.
Other dignitaries that attended the event were, eminent traditional rulers from across the country, religious and community leaders, diplomats, members of the academic community, philanthropist, and other distinguished personalities.
