— Awards Others for their Immense Contribution to the Area.
By Joshua Adinoyi, Nasarawa
It was the gathering of who is who in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as Sons/Daughters of the Area gathered at the Assembly Hall, GSS Toto, in honour of the Retired Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Honourable Justice Suleiman Umar Dikko.
The event, which was put together by Toto Development Association (TODA), was not to honour the meritorious service of the Retired Chief Judge, Honourable justice Suleiman Umar Dikko Rtd, as other Sons/Daughters of Toto, both living and those who have gone to the land beyond were also honoured for their positive contributions.
Speaking with Newsmen, the President of TODA and Ciroma of Toto, Alhaji Musa Maikaya, afffirmed that the Grand Reception and TODA Special Excellence Service Award Ceremony was nurtured by the new Executives of the Association to honor the Retired Chief Judge of the State, Honourable Justice Suleiman Umar Dikko (Rtd).
He pointed out that some who were Awarded at the event were those that have rendered selfless services and those rendering same, seeing to the progress of the Area, ensuring the development of youth/women and making the Area proud in all spheres of life.
“I thank Almighty Allah for the success of today’s (9th January 2021) event which was put together to honour one of our own, Honourable justice Suleiman Umar Dikko (Rtd.) You can see the happiness in the faces of those that came from both far and near to celebrate with us. The Chief Judge is an illustrious son of Toto, he represented us well while serving as the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, his role in the history of Nasarawa State is written in gold already.
He has done so well and we are proud of him. There are a lot to learn from him and also emulate, that’s why we are gathered to celebrate him. Yes, we are also using this occasion to honour the families of some persons that are no longer alive but left good legacies before they depart. We are doing this so that their families will know that their late parents didn’t labour in vain and also to serve as an encouragement to them to live a life worthy of emulation. To those who are alive that also received the Award, its meant to say thank you to them and to say do more”
Alhaji Maikaya, who was a former Governorship aspirant in the State, commended the efforts of Members of TODA at ensuring the success of the event, stressing that much will be achieved by the Association in 2021.
The TODA President while speaking on the Security challenges across the Country, commended Nasawara State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for his efforts at making the security of lives and property of the people of the State a priority.
“I must use this opportunity to commend our Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule for being security conscious. We have seen his efforts clearly, few months ago, we can’t hold this kind of gathering but today we can do that because our Governor has taken the battle to the forefront and today, we are enjoying peace in this State.
We must also thank the local vigilantes and the traditional rulers for their efforts as well. Security is every man’s business, so we all need to be awake and help security agents with valuable information so that we can continue to enjoy the peace we are enjoying today”
On his part, the Secretary General of TODA, Alhaji Labran Shaibu Magaji, said the event was put together to showcase the peaceful coexistence of the people of the area and as well encourage those who are contributing their quota to the development of the Area to do more.
“Today, we’ve celebrated excellence, hardwork, commitment and dedication to the development of Toto Community. We’ve celebrated one of our own, Honourable justice Suleiman Umar Dikko (Rtd), because of his untiring passion for the progress of the Area and we also used the occasion to honor those that one way or another, are contributing to the growth of and peace of our Area. Not only that, we also used the event to honor the families of our fallen heroes so that they too can be encouraged and know that the efforts of their late parents/family members is highly recognized”
Alhaji Labran Magaji, who is a Lawyer and a Federal Procecutor, expressed joy over the success of the event, stressing that the Association remain committed to meeting its objectives and enjoined members not to relent efforts at ensuring the growth of TODA.
Reacting to the Honour done him, the Retired Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Honourable justice Suleiman Umar Dikko, expressed joy over the occasion and commended TODA for the honour.
“I am very happy and I feel so honoured. In fact, today is one of my happiest days on earth. I am so grateful to TODA and to the entire people of Nasarawa State for the privilege to serve and for this exceptional Grand Reception”
Honourable justice Suleiman Umar Dikko (Rtd) enjoined youths, political office holders and leaders at all levels to have the fear of God in their dealings, stressing that there was need for them to leave legacies that will stand the test of time.
Reciepients of TODA Posthumous Award include:
1. Alhaji Jibrin Baba Agwari
2. Alhaji Danladi Ganuwa
3. Alhaji Usman Sarki
4. Alhaji Abubakar Danjuma CRDP
5. Alhaji Labaran Ahege
6. Alhaji Mohammadu Shaba (National)
7. Alhaji Shuaibu Bature
8. Alhaji Shuaibu Adamu ASAT
9. Alhaji Musa Adamu AMAT
10. Alhaji Labaran Maikarfi Toto
11.Alhaji Usman Dantsoho Toto
12. Alhaji Idris Baba Mohammed
13. Alhaji Umar Azaki
Reciepients of TODA EXCELLENCE SERVICE AWARD include:
1. Alhaji Gambo Mohammed Garkuwan Toto
2. Alhaji Hussaini Ahmed GBO
3. Alhaji Mohammadu Omas
4. Alhaji Mohammadu Maikayan Mota
5. Alhaji Usman Agahu
6. Alhaji Musa Dangara
7. Alhaji Idris Hassan Dikko
8. Sani Oseze
9. Prof Yusuf Yerima
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Pharm. Ahmed Baba Yahaya as the lawmaker representing Toto/Gadabuke constituency and other eminent personalities graced the occasion.
