Photos News: Maikaya Foundation Football Tournament Final: Gov Sule Backs Grassroots Development
…Aibro, Tanko, Galadima, Tashas, and others storm Toto to support Maikaya
….Chiroma FC beats Kofa FC to claim trophy
By Yahaya Idris
The Nasarawa State government has reaffirmed its commitment to constructing a mini sports stadium in Toto Local Government Area.
Governor Sule, who attended the Maikaya Development Foundation’s tournament as special guest of honour, described the facility’s proposed amenities and its intended purpose of promoting grassroots sports, enhancing community engagement, and fostering peaceful coexistence among residents.
Ja’afaru Ango, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, who represented the Governor, disclosed this at the final match of the Maikaya Development Foundation 5th edition football tournament, which took place at Central Primary School Toto, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
The commissioner was accompanied by the top management of the ministry, including the permanent secretary, and revealed that the state government under Governor Abdullahi Sule is committed to initiating grassroots development through sports.
He stated that the mini stadium to be located in Toto and five other places across the state will undoubtedly promote peace and unity in rural communities, and commended the Chief Executive Officer of the Maikaya Development Foundation, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, for sustaining the tournament which has already positively impacted the lives of youths, urging him to maintain the momentum.
Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, founder and chief executive officer of the Maikaya Development Foundation, credited the tournament’s success to the Nasarawa state government for creating a conducive environment.
Maikaya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Governorship aspirant in the State pledged to continue complementing government efforts in areas of health, sport, agriculture, education, youths and women empowerment amongst others.
“The idea of this tournament is to complement government’s efforts to towards ensuring peace and unity of our people, if youths are engaged, the rate of crime and other criminals activities will drastically reduce”.
The Chiroma Toto pointed out that as a non-governmental organization, the foundation has limited resources, particularly for maintaining sporting facilities, and made an appeal to the government to assist the foundation with facilities to boost productivity.
In an interview with our correspondent, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, described the CEO of Maikaya Development Foundation as a grassroots politician, noting that this underscores Maikaya’s commitment to identifying talent among the masses to serve as exemplary ambassadors of their communities.
On their part, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, and former House of Representatives aspirant for Nasarawa/Toto federal constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Aibro, Chairman Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, Abuja-based legal luminary Barr. Yakubu Galadima, and immediate past Executive Chairman of Toto LGC, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas commended Maikaya Foundation for prioritizing grassroots development, urging him to continue as God will continue to bless him abundantly.
The leaders praised Maikaya’s selfless leadership and service delivery as unmatched, calling on others to emulate him for increased benefits.
The 2024/2025 annual Maikaya Development Foundation tournament saw Chiroma FC and Kofa FC compete, resulting in Chiroma FC winning 5-4 against Kofa FC at the penalty shoot out, thereby claiming the tournament title.
The tournament concluded with Chiroma FC players being crowned the best football team, accompanied by the presentation of gifts and medals to the outstanding player, goal scorer, and goalkeeper among others.
Several invited guests and prominent politicians from both within and outside Nasarawa State were conferred with medals for honouring the foundation’s invitation, while the council vice Chairman, Hon Atnadu Yakubu Sunday and Council Secretary, Hon Yahaya Baba Keke (Ugya) added colour to the event.
The event also featured cultural dance, showcasing the cultural heritage of Toto LG people
