Maikaya Foundation Annual football tournament unites warring communities in Nasarawa
By Yahaya Idris
A sixth annual football tournament organised by the Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) has brought together rival ethnic groups in Nasarawa State, fostering peace in an area once plagued by conflict.
Held in Toto Local Government Area, the event drew teams from communities including the Bassa and Egbira, who have set aside longstanding differences to embrace harmony.
Pharm. Ahmed Baba Yahaya, executive chairman of Toto LGA, hailed MDF founder, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya for using the tournament to promote unity.
“Toto is now experiencing total security, and the crisis that once plagued the area is now a thing of the past,” he said.
Hon Ja’afar Loko, chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, praised Dr. Maikaya for funding the initiative, which has become a key platform for reconciliation.
Barrister Yakubu Galadima described Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) as a lasting force for good, extending its impact beyond Toto to the wider state through youth empowerment, health-care, student scholarships, and community projects.
Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya thanked Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule for maintaining peace and security.
“My only joy in organising this event is to unite the people, and I am satisfied with the progress made so far,” he said.
The tournament concluded with cultural dances from Egbira, Eggon, Bassa, and Gbagyi groups, trophy presentations to the top three teams, and empowerment items donated by the Hajiya Hadiza Foundation from Abuja.
