From Hauwa'u Mohammed KEFFI
The Nasarawa State Government has committed to supporting the Maikaya Development Foundation's annual grassroots football competition, aimed at fostering unity and mutual coexistence among the diverse tribes in Toto Local Government Area.
Ja'afaru Ango, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, disclosed this during an interview at the finals of the 2024 Maikaya Development Foundation Football Competition held recently in Toto.
The final match, played between Chiroma Football Club and Kofa Football Club, ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Chiroma emerging victorious 6-5 after a goalless draw in regular time.
Ango praised the foundation for its initiative, describing it as a platform to unify communities and provide opportunities for youth engagement.
"The state government appreciates the foundation's efforts to promote unity and foster meaningful engagement among youths," Ango said. "We will do our best to sustain and support this competition because it opens sporting opportunities for our youths and strengthens social cohesion."
He also revealed plans to construct six mini stadiums across the state, including a standard facility in Toto, to boost grassroots sports development.
"The Toto mini stadium will include a standard football field with artificial turf and facilities for indoor games such as volleyball, badminton, and table tennis. By God’s grace, work will commence this January," Ango added.
Sustaining Peace and Unity through Sports
Mohammed Maikaya, the CEO of Maikaya Development Foundation, highlighted that the competition supports peace-building efforts in Toto, which was once plagued by insecurity and disunity.
"By bringing people of different tribes together through sports, we have significantly contributed to making Toto one of the most peaceful local government areas in the state," Maikaya said.
He also emphasized the competition's role in nurturing talent, revealing that some players have been invited for trials with Nasarawa United Football Club.
"This platform allows youths to showcase their skills, attract opportunities, and build careers in football instead of engaging in negative activities," he noted.
Local Government Support
Ahmed Baba-Yahaya, Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, also praised the initiative, pledging the council's support to sustain the competition.
"We urge other philanthropists and organizations to emulate this gesture. Toto LGA will continue to recognize and honor such contributions toward the development of our community," Baba-Yahaya added.
The Maikaya Development Foundation’s grassroots football competition has become a beacon of hope and unity in Toto, inspiring collaboration between the government, private organizations, and local communities.
